News From Nigeria
PRESIDENT BUHARI VISITS KUJE, ASKS QUESTIONS ABOUT INTELLIGENCE AND WHY PRISON DEFENCES FAILED TO WORK
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday visited the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje attacked by terrorists, spending about 30 minutes there.
Soon after he arrived, he was briefed about the attack by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Mohammad Lamido Belgore and the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, showing him the bombed-out section used to access first, and the records office which was set on fire, adding that the invaders thereafter launched an attack on all cells in which Boko Haram terrorists were held.
The President was apprised that, at the end of it, none of the 63 terrorists are accounted for, but it was emphasized that records are not lost because they have been backed up.
President Buhari, who, like most Nigerians was shocked by both the scale and audacity of the attack queried: “How did the defences at the prison fail to prevent the attack? How many inmates were in the facility? How many of them can you account for? How many personnel did you have on duty? How many of them were armed? Were there guards on the watchtower? What did they do? Does the CCTV work?” Question after question.
The President was also informed that the security forces have recaptured 350 of the escapees while about 450 others are still unaccounted for, and that rapid work is under way to recapture the rest.
After inspecting some of the points impacted by the attack, President Buhari spoke to newsmen, expressing disappointment with the intelligence system (and utilization).
“I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it?”
The President, accompanied by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff, said at the end of the visit that he is expecting “a comprehensive report” on the incident.
The Presidency wishes to use this opportunity to react to mounting criticism of the trip to Dakar, Senegal by the President, and to stress that Governments don’t stop working because nations face terrorist threats. To cancel the trip to Senegal would mean that the terrorists are successful in calling the shots, something that no responsible government in the world will allow.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 6, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESENTS PARTY FLAG TO GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, COMMENDS OYETOLA FOR TIRELESS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE
President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday did the ceremonial presentation of flag to the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate in the upcoming elections in Osun State, giving assurances that the Party is committed to furthering the development journey of the state.
The President commended the performance of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the candidate of the party, for serving the people tirelessly in his first term in office, adding that he has confidence in the Party winning the election, fairly and squarely in the coming week.
President Buhari gave kudos to the co-chairs of the Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as well as the Vice Chairman, Niger State’s Abubakar Sani Bello for putting in so much energy into the campaign to re-elect Governor Oyetola.
“I wish you the best of luck”, said the President.
In response to the invitation to participate at the Grand Finale of the rallies, next week, he said, “I hope I will make myself available to boost your morale.”
The Deputy National Chairman of the Party, Senator Abba Kyari, who presented the candidate on behalf of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman, commended the President for leading the Party to victory.
He described Governor Oyetola as a performing Governor who has done well in his first term and is deserving of a second.
He also expressed optimism that the Party will emerge the overall winner in the general elections in February next year.
Present at APC presentation were the National Secretary, Senator Omisore and the Secretary of the Osun Campaign Council who is also the Sokoto State APC gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu.
Garba Shehu
Senior Assistant to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 6, 2022
SERVE THE NATION DILIGENTLY, PRESIDENT BUHARI CHARGES NEWLY APPOINTED MINISTERS; RE-ASSIGNS FOUR OTHERS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assigned portfolios to seven newly appointed ministers, charging them to serve the nation diligently, maintain unalloyed loyalty to the country and office of the President.
The President also announced the reassignment of portfolios in his cabinet, saying the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, which preceded the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President said as his administration is now on the home-stretch of its second term, more work still needs to be done in diverse areas of the economy and national life.
The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh, Minister of State, Science and Technology; Umana Umana, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Udi Odum , Minister of State, Environment; Ademola Adegoroye, Minister of State, Transport; Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, Minister of State, Works and Housing; Goodluck Opiah, Minister of State, Education and Nkama Ekumankama, Minister of State, Health.
The following ministers were re-assigned: Senator Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science and Technology (formerly Minister of State, Health); Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, Minister of Transportation (formerly Minister of State, Works and Housing); Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State, Niger Delta (formerly Minister of State, Environment) and Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development (formerly Minister of State, Transportation).
President Buhari urged the newest members of his cabinet to consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programmes already initiated by this administration.
He also warned all members of the cabinet against corrupt practices, reiterating that public officers must be above board and those caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law.
‘‘I begin this address by welcoming on board, all newly sworn-in members of the Federal Executive Council. I also congratulate you because the process that you all passed through to reach this stage has been rigorous and meticulous.
‘‘The appointment of these new Ministers is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which prescribes that the Federal Executive Council shall be made up of members from every state of the Federation.
‘‘I therefore urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty which imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country.
‘‘At the valedictory session for six former Ministers that departed to pursue other political careers, I promised that their replacement shall be a matter of priority so that the business of governance would not experience delays or setbacks.
‘‘This administration has been in the saddle since 2015 and is now on the home-stretch of its second term, as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections. All through, it has vigorously pursued the three main electoral objectives namely: Securing the nation; Diversifying & growing the economy as well as fighting corruption.
‘‘You are all coming on-board at this time with new energy, ideas, experiences and vigour, to join the existing team so that the implementation of policies, programs and projects associated with these electoral objectives would be escalated and accelerated.
‘‘There is still so much to be done for our country in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, access to finance, access to justice, technology and innovation, trade, agriculture, education and security. The list is inexhaustible,’’ he said.
President Buhari urged the newly appointed ministers to be conscious that time is of the essence as they assume office.
‘‘As I assign you portfolios, therefore, I expect you to carefully study your sectors, take wise counsel, reach out to key stakeholders, consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programs already initiated by this administration. Above all, be loyal to your President and your country.’’
Underscoring the need for the old and new members of his Cabinet to work with common objectives of leaving indelible legacies for Nigerians and ending strongly with verifiable accomplishments, the President warned:
‘‘You must resist bad counsel, resist temptation and be circumspect in your utterances and conduct. You must totally eschew corruption and be above board because if caught there will be no sacred cows,’’ he said.
The President told the newly appointed ministers to await further communication on their appropriate Ministerial Mandates from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Prior to the commencement of the FEC meeting and swearing-in ceremony, the Council observed a minute of silence in honour of the Secretary-General of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammed Barkindo, who died on Tuesday in Abuja.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
IT’S TIME TO DEBUNK MYTHS AGAINST WOMEN’S RIGHTS, PARENTING – LAGOS FIRST LADY
…Hosts 2nd Muslim Sisters’ Seminar
…As Lagos CP Releases Security Tips For Women
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday called for a deliberate effort to debunk the various myths against the rights of women and parenting, saying the reality of today has made it imperative for the modern woman to be adequately equipped and empowered.
The First Lady spoke at the 2nd edition of the Muslim Sisters’ Seminar hosted by her office at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja in line with the vision to impact lives and build legacies, and most importantly serve as the forerunner to the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir Festival.
She said the seminar, with the theme: “Women: Nurturing Lives to Secure a Better Future,” was aimed at highlighting the strategic role of women in ensuring a better future for the younger generation and society at large.
Other sub-themes include: “The Rights of a Woman; Women’s Health: Total Wellness; and Security & Self Awareness in a Modern Society. There was also a Panel Session on “Parenting: The Role of a Mother/Grandmother in Molding a Contemporary Child.”
According to the First Lady, “We decided that it is important that we talk to our Muslim Sisters ensuring that if they are going to have a better future, they must put their health first; they must know their rights, and they must be security conscious.
“So, we have considered these three topics; put them together on the basis of the fact that they are apt for the moment to debunk a lot of myths out there so that the modern woman can understand what is happening and be empowered to make informed choices and decisions.”
She said the enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants was encouraging as the seminar provided the platform for them to interact properly, understand their various roles in society and also have a better future for the next generation.
Besides, the First Lady said the seminar was designed as a platform to bring professional women, the old, and students together to dissect relevant topics on parenting, security, health, and rights of the Muslim sisters, with the view to engendering sustainable and positive solutions to contemporary issues, just as she said it was imperative for all parents and guardians to imbue in their children and wards the virtues of love of God, respect for the rights of others, and prayers without ceasing.
“My message to the Muslim Sisters is that they should not give up; they should continue to encourage the younger ones out there. We know that the system of the children is now different from when we were much younger and there are so many challenges and obstacles out there; however, we need to keep doing our best and there is hope for the future,” the First Lady said.
In his special message, the Chief Imam of Lagos, His Eminence, Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nola commended the First Lady for the initiative and recommended that it should be held twice annually to cascade the message to more women as it was in tandem with the instruction of Prophet Muhammad to his wife, Aisha to gather women together and teach them lessons on virtuous living and parenting.
Represented by Imam Musbauhudeen Gaji, Abou-Nola also advised women to train their children beyond the first degree and lead them by example.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, in his session on security, urged women to be wary of jumping at any business deals, and always deploy artificial intelligence such as the installation of CCTV and general employment of technology to prevent crime.
He said: “Your children should know important numbers; you must always run a background check for your staff, including domestic staff; desist from displaying expensive wares in your car; you must be observant and your movements must be confidential to a few; your car alarm is a great security device; and also the neighborhood watch groups are important.
“Remember, your security starts with you. The extent of how secured you are, is dependent on your level of security consciousness, awareness and cooperation with the law enforcement agencies. You are your security.”
Dignitaries at the seminar include the Wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti-Adebule; wife of first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Iyalode of Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Bintu Fatima Tinubu; and the mother of Head of Service, Alhaja Ramdat Muri-Okunola.
Other facilitators are media personality, Mrs. Nihmatallah Akashat Zibiri; and Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare; while the panelists are Mrs. Hamzat, Mrs. Azeezat Funso Raji, Mrs. Halimat Olayinka Abou-Nola and Mrs. Kafayat Oyewo, who moderated the panel session.
The participants were drawn from various organizations. They include the Association of Professional Women Builders of Nigeria, Society of Women in Taxation, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Professional Women Accountants In Nigeria, National Association Of Teachers Of Arabic And Islamic Studies, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Police Wives Association, Association of Women Town Planners In Nigeria, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, and the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
Others are the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Ansar-U-Deen Society Of Nigeria, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Al-Fathu-L-Qareeb Muslim Organization of Nigeria, Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists, Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Nigerian Air Force Officer’s Wives Association, The Criterion, FOMWAN, Muslim Lawyers Association Of Nigeria, Institute of Charter Accountants (ICAN), Nigerian Army Officer’s Wives Association, Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Fatimah Charity Foundation, Al Imratus Solihat, At-Taariq Muslim Sisters of Nigeria, The Global Congregation Of Samadaani Family, NADWAT, Epe Professional Women, Al-Muminaat (The believing women) Organisation, and Islamic Education and Training Initiative.
There was also Islamic Nasheed by the Alaka Twins.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
JULY 6, 2022
The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.
The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.
Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Missing Certificate: I made second best result in 1976 – Okowa
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday debunked reports that he had no West Africa School Certificate (WASC) certificate, saying he made the second best result in his set in the country in 1976.
He said that the issue around the certificate was deliberate wrong perception and unnecessary politics, and explained that virtually all universities in the country offered him admission based on his outstanding performance in WASC and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination.
Okowa made this known while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area.
He said: “On the issue of my certificate, I think it is a misconception. People try to play politics with everything.
“Yes, I lost my WAEC certificate, but I have the print out from Edo College, Benin City, which clearly stated that I have distinction in all subjects.
“The Higher School Certificate was attached and it has been acknowledged by Edo College and the school put it out there that I made an ‘A’ `B’ `B’.
“I do not pride myself but it was very difficult to make such grade in higher school at that time.
“My high school result was the second best nationally in 1976, when I finished. So, many universities admitted me through Telegram as at that time, and I had to start making choices of which to accept.
“Of course, it’s very clear that I finished medical school at the University of Ibadan. I was 21years and some months; I was less than 22 years of age.’’
On the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the governor called on the Federal Government to expedite action in resolving the issues, adding that every government should be sincere enough to keep to promises and agreements at all times.
“We continue to sympathise with our students who have been at home for several months now rather than being in school.
“I use this opportunity to call on the Federal government to do something urgently to end the strike.
“It’s not a good thing for the children, parents and even education in general. It is unfortunate that the Federal government has not been able to attend to issues, as requested by ASUU.
“For every government, if promises are made, we must ensure that we keep to our promises and if there are things that cannot be done, you let people know,’’ he said.
Okowa remarked that lecturers were not on strike in the four universities owned by the state, “for us in Delta State, we are fulfilling all the requirements and that’s why you can see that this university and our three other universities are all active and in session because we do not have any issues with our lecturers.
“All our four universities are in session because we pay special attention to education in Delta State, and our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also assured that education occupies a prime position in our `Rescue Nigeria’ mission.’’
He expressed satisfaction with the Management of the university in Ozoro for successfully admitting 1,850 students in the first year, disclosing that no fewer than 3,000 applicants chose the university as first choice in the new session, starting in October.
“That over 3,000 applicants have chosen the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as first choice is very heart-warming and it goes to show that our decision to upgrade the Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology is a very good decision.’’
He also lauded the university for using the engineering students to execute some projects in the school.
“We walked through some concrete paved roads executed by the university with engineering students and it is very encouraging that they are putting their students to practice and their lecturers also have the opportunity to practicalise what they teach.
“You will recall in the same manner when the school was a polytechnic that they used their students and their engineering staff to build the stadium in the campus.
“This is very encouraging because it is important that we actually ensure that our students are not only groomed up in theory but also put to practice what they learn and that’s exactly what we look forward to,” the governor said.
Lagos Opebi-Ojota Link Road Project: Julius Berger is strongly engineering to fruition Lagos State Government’s dream for a better transportation network – Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu
– “We are Julius Berger, and we are besting every technical challenge and progressing at good pace”, says JBN Project Manager
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has said that the country’s engineering construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is helping the state government to actualise its dream for a better transportation network for Lagos.
He spoke in Lagos weekend at the completion of the first Pile Cast on the Lagos Opebi-Maryland Link Road bridge through his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye.
According to the governor, “…what Julius Berger is doing here is not unexpected. They are known for good quality work. Like the Commissioner for Transportation will always say, what we have here is a collaboration between the Ministry of Works and Lands and Housing.
“It is something that we thought about and decided that this was the best network that will work for Lagos. So, what Julius Berger is doing here is they are seriously bringing to fruition our ideas on paper. And so far, so good,” she added.
Speaking while explaining the basics of the Link Road project to Lagos State government officials, the Project Manager, Denysenko Dmytriy said the first pile cap being completed is the first in a lot more to create a stable foundation for the bridge to be constructed over them. “It also offers a larger area for the spread of the concrete load that would eventually be on the piles,” he said. The Project manager also said that the project has been very challenging given its difficult terrain, “because all water from Ikeja come through here before it discharges into the Lagoon. Nevertheless, we are Julius Berger and we habitually, professionally deliver excellent strength and quality even in challenging topographies. This project is very important to Lagos state government because of its unique utility, and we remain strongly committed to its accomplishment,” he further said.
The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge has a total length of 3.89 kilometres consisting 2829 metre road length with 276-metre Deck-on-Pile Bridge and 474 metre Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall approach sections. The Lagos State Government’s Legacy Project as it called in official circles, whose construction is taking off 20 years after conception, is expected to link Opebi in Allen Avenue area with Ojota and Maryland through Odo-Iya Alaro underpass.
Sanwo-Olu at the flag-off ceremony last January said that the project scheduled to be completed in 2023, is strategic because of the huge traffic bearing capacity of the area, as it will help reduce the perennial gridlock along the Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Road that leads to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. According to the Governor, “…in consideration of the exponential growth rate of commercial activities and services within this axis, and to address the challenge of the huge traffic burden occasioned by the growth, we decided to provide carefully designed innovative solutions to ease the daily gridlock experienced by commuters around Opebi / Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way/ Ojota/Mende corridor.” The Governor further stated at the time that, “… as you are aware, there is presently no direct link between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. The available road infrastructure that links the axis is also limited in its connectivity options, thus during peak periods, the high traffic volume within the axis usually congests the Ikeja Traffic Network.”
Among representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the event were Regional Manager Technical, Thomas Balzuweit, Engr. Nath Ikem, Engr.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES NIGERIA’S ICONIC THESPIAN, JIMI SOLANKE, AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the performing arts industry in celebrating one of the country’s most celebrated thespians, Jimi Solanke, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Describing the veteran songwriter, actor, performer, visual artist, poet and storyteller as a national hero, the President thanks him immensely for using his talents and works to help shape the modern and vibrant creative industry in Nigeria.
President Buhari hopes that Baba Agba’s repertoire of works and skills , which is a signpost of the best in Nigeria’s culture, drama and entertainment, will continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to work on using the theatre to address contemporary issues , promoting peace, unity and progress across the country.
The President prays for God’s continued guidance and blessings on the octogenarian, and wishes everyone celebrating with the legend bountiful success in their endeavours.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Two Jailed for Romance Scam in Abuja
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of two fraudsters, Destiny Unabor and Confidence Ekeanya before Justices A.A Halilu and S.B. Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo and Bwari respectively, for charges bordering on impersonation and romance scam.
Unabor created a Facebook page with the name, Steven Zheng, a Singaporean engineer, and professed love to Seika Goto and Jennifer Chen, both Chinese nationals, in an attempt to obtain financial benefit from them.
Upon arraignment today July 4, 2022, he pleaded guilty to a one count charge.
In view of his plea, Justice Halilu sentenced Unabor to one year in prison with the option of a fine of N70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira only). He is also to forfeit his phone and laptop to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Similarly, Justice Belgore sentenced Ekeanya to one year in prison with option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) fine. He is also to forfeit his mobile phone and laptop and restitute $650 (Six Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) to his victim.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to a one count charge. He induced one Mr. Collins, an American, to deliver the sum of $5,000 (Five Thousand US Dollars) to him over a phantom romantic relationship while pretending to be Stephanie, based in London.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
YOU’VE INDEED BEEN A WORTHY AMBASSADOR OF OUR COUNTRY, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS BARKINDO, OUTGOING OPEC SECRETARY-GENERAL
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed the nation’s gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammed Barkindo, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the country.
Receiving Barkindo at State House, the President said posterity will remember him kindly for making the nation and himself proud during his six years of meritorious service at the helm of affairs as the 4th OPEC Secretary-General from Nigeria.
The President directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to mobilise the oil and gas industry to organise a befitting welcome reception in honour of Barkindo.
‘‘You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country. We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.
‘‘Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry. Oil producers were finding it difficult to come together to address challenges that were crippling the oil market.
‘‘Not long after, the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic that sent crude prices spiralling down at an alarming rate. You showed incredible leadership to rally industry players and pushed through the turbulent times.
‘‘There is no doubt about your efforts in putting together the Declaration of Cooperation which is the largest in the history of OPEC and the global oil industry and also the longest in duration in the history of the organization. This was a herculean task,’’ the President said.
The Nigerian leader heaped more praises on his compatriot for providing experienced administrative management to OPEC, adding that his efforts have placed the organization in a stronger position to confront the challenges it will face in the coming years.
In his remarks, Barkindo attributed his success to the tremendous guidance, charisma and international gravitas of President Buhari; support from OPEC secretariat in Vienna; and cooperation by members of the organisation.
He recounted how the counsel from President Buhari helped in the birthing of the Declaration of Cooperation of OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, after he assumed office in Vienna, Austria in 2016 during a downturn in the sector when oil prices plunged to less than 10 U.S dollars per barrel.
‘‘It was very obvious to me that this was beyond OPEC alone to address. We needed to get the support of other leading oil producers around the world.
‘‘I recall that I did consult with you and I drank from your fountain of wisdom and your deep reservoir of knowledge of OPEC and global affairs.
‘‘With your advice and guidance, I set out to various capitals around the world to try to persuade them to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for them to urgently join hands with OPEC.
‘‘I did explain to them that they do not have to be full members of OPEC but we could work together in a framework of cooperation and on the 10th December, 2016 we signed this historic agreement in Vienna and on the 1st January, we started working together and we were able to assist the oil market restore stability.’’
The former OPEC Secretary-General noted that the Declaration of Cooperation, which is now in its sixth year, also helped the organisation to navigate the turbulence in the market occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He explained that amidst COVID-19, the organisation took a decision to withdraw 9.6 million barrels per day from the market- the highest ever adjustment in its history- for a duration of two years.
He added that OPEC is now in the final lap of restoring the production figures due to rebound in the global market and economy.
Barkindo stressed that ‘‘throughout the period of my tenure I have continued to benefit from the President’s international goodwill and everywhere I visited in the world both within OPEC and outside OPEC, the first person your fellow Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings, ask me of is; how is my brother, President Muhamamdu Buhari.’’
Having survived the major turbulences in 2016 and 2020, Barkindo expressed confidence that the worst is over and the future looks very promising for the organisation.
He, therefore, thanked President Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve, pledging that Nigeria would continue to play its leadership role in OPEC as well as in the global oil industry.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Court Convicts One, Two Arraigned for N18m Fraud in Maiduguri
Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Horso Amma Abba to seven years imprisonment.
Abba was arraigned on April 11, 2019 by the Maiduguri Zonal Command on a one count charge that bordered on obtaining by false pretence. He was alleged to have sold a property belonging to Alhaji Ahmed Kois Abdulkarim without his consent and diverted the proceeds to his own use.
The count reads: “That you, Hurso Abba Amma, between September and November, 2016 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced one Muhammad Nur to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) only in payment of consideration for purported sale of a house situate at behind Umar Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State under the fasle pretence that you were authorised to sell same for an on behalf of the real owner which fact you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 1 (1) (b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 respectively.”
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.
During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir, presented three witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence.
In his judgment, Justice Fadawu said the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, convicted and sentenced Abba to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine. The judge further ordered that the prison term shall take effect from July 4, 2022.
In another development, the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC today arraigned the duo of Umar Mustapha and Al’amin Idris before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, on two counts of conspiracy and cheating to the tune of N15,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira).
Count two reads: “That you, Umar Mustapha, Zanna Mala Bukar and Al’amin Idris sometime in March 2020 at Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, induced Abubakar Gimba to deliver to you the sum of N15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million Naira) under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a purported plot of land laying and situated in GRA Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Maiduguri, Borno State and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 (a) and punishable under section 322 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Borno State.”
The defendants pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges preferred against them.
Consequently, the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendants pending the determination of the case.
Justice Kumaliya ordered the remand of the defendants in prison custody and adjourned till July 25, 2022 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Atiku’s Missteps, Wike’s Righteous Indignation
By Erasmus Ikhide
HATE or like Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s (NEW) style of politics; his objective stance on what he believes in, his refusal to call a spade by other names, or his failure for pretext to become another person in order to acquire power. Politics would have been described differently if it’s devoid of intrigues and intricacies. Those are the attributes that set the no-nonsense first class ‘Mr Projects’ Governor of Rivers State apart from the rest.
Wike’s righteous indignation – even though it’s at the realm of rumour mill that he’s about to quit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or abandon its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – he would not be doing the unthinkable because of the absolute injustice meted out on him in a political party that openly subscribes to equity and justice.
First, it’s difficult to believe that PDP minders in their widest imagination would allow Atiku Abubakar from Northern Nigeria to fly the party’s presidential ticket against the constitutional provisions that talked about rotation. Second, what qualifies an Atiku Abubakar to be ranked above Governor Wike who has been dubbed “PDP Conscience” for his untiring moral and financial support at a time Atiku Abubakar was hawking himself to be nominated by the APC under its presidential ticket?
What’s the reward for commitment, resilience and party loyalty if inconsistent character, political prostitute like Atiku Abubakar who has been junketing from one political party to another without ideology should be rewarded for debasing the same PDP in the past? Why should Governor Wike support a prodigal, compulsive political opportunist whose only political deposit has been that he comes from a region with manipulated population and make-believe myths of being in possession of stolen wealth with an entitlement mentality?
It’s even more infuriating that Governor Wike who scored fourteen (14) out of seventeen (17) votes cast to nominate PDP Vice Presidential candidate was left in the cold for little known Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whose only contribution was that he opened Delta State treasury for Dollars rain on PDP delegates on Atiku’s behalf.
For a fact, the combination of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa as one of the major opposition political parties has deflated the hope of Nigerians who were looking up to the party for redemption after seven years of the APC’s ruinous administration. This is because perception is everything in politics. Nigerians see Atiku Abubakar as a doyen of corruption, Fulani fundamentalist and a precursor of bloodbath.
The other day, Atiku Abubakar quickly pulled down his tweet condemning the roasting alive of Deborah Samuel after Islamic bandits threatened him with a-no-vote in next year’s presidential election. How can such unstable hermit who barely visit Nigeria from his Dubai base each time elections are around the corner be trusted?
Atiku’s missteps and Wike’s righteous indignation has become the PDP’s knew Achilles heel because you can’t step into the same river twice! It’s even more so now that Nigerians have an alternative to the leprous and vanquished APC and PDP. Nigerians are now ‘ Obedient ‘ in Labour Party!!
Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece from Lagos Nigeria via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
Court Convicts Man for N6m Scam
The Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 4, 2022, secured the conviction of one Chike Akwitti (alias Dr. Justified Iseoma Nnaemeka) before justice Sylvanus Origi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The convict was arraigned on December 16, 2015, on a four count charge of obtaining by false pretence and theft to the tune of about N6,370, 000(Six Million Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira).
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Chike Akwitti alias Dr. Justified Isioma Nnaemeka, ‘Emeralds Chike’ between the 2nd and 8th of December, 2015 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory did with intent to defraud obtain the total sum of N5,000,000.00( Five Million Naira Only) from one Nkechi Joy Ani under the false pretence that the money would be used to finance property transaction which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, setting the stage for his full trial. The EFCC through the prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi called four witnesses and tendered documents in evidence.
Justice Origi on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted the defendant, who is still at large, on counts one, two and three, but acquitted him on count four.
The judge adjourned the matter to 13 July, 2022, for sentencing.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
July 3, 2022
LIRS OPTIMIZES PAYMENT PROCEDURE ON eTAX FOR TAXPAYERS
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is currently optimizing its payment procedures for utmost efficiency and taxpayers’ convenience.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ayodele Subair, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the Agency, as part of its digitalization process, is discontinuing all previously used bill references effective from August 1st, 2022.
Consequently, according to the Chairman, only the Enterprise Tax Solutions (eTax), generated bill references will be acceptable for tax payments.
The eTax platform, (https://etax.lirs.net) which went live in October 2019, was launched by LIRS to engender seamless tax operations and reduce compliance costs to taxpayers. Since its launch, eTax has improved the effectiveness of tax administration in Lagos State.
Mr Subair added that the eTax was built as a one-stop shop for all tax transactions, and it is in the same spirit that the generation of bill references, required for all tax payments is now exclusive to the eTax platform.
He reiterated that by the cutoff date of August 1st, 2022, eTax would become the only authorized channel to generate bill reference for tax payments and other tax-related transactions in Lagos State.
To generate a bill reference on e-Tax, taxpayers can use the 5 easy steps below:
For further assistance on eTax or other related enquiries, taxpayers are enjoined to call LIRS customer service hotline on 0700 2255 5477 or send email to etaxinfo@lirs.net.
Visit the website: https://lirs.gov.ng, Follow on Twitter:@lirsgovng, Facebook: @lirsgovng, Instagram: @lirsgovng
Signed:
Monsurat Amasa
Head, Corporate Communications
LIRS
Internet Fraud: Eight Convicted in Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 1, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters before different Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate amended one count charge each of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The offences contravene Section 22 (2) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and Section 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The convicts are Alabi Gift Jesse, Sulaimon Qudus Olasukanmi, Ridwan Gbolahan Olayiwola, Adenuga Adeniran Sunday, Afuye Adeniyi Emmanuel, Yusuf Ademola Matthew, Adele Fuad Ayinde and Olayinka Taiwo Olaniyi.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.
Upon their pleas, prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur and Shamsuddeen Bashir, urged the courts to convict and sentence them as charged.
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced Jesse to eleven months imprisonment, while Justice Iyabo Yerima of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Emmanuel and Matthew to six months community service each.
Similarly, Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Olasukanmi, Olayiwola, Sunday, Ayinde and Olaniyi to six months community service each.
The convicts were ordered by the courts to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Press Statement
Akeredolu Appoints New Members Of OSOPADEC
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has approved the appointment of Nuel Olatunbosun Elehinle and Olafusi Kehinde Akintoroye as members of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The appointment takes immediate effect.
The new appointees are to replace Mrs. Morenike Witherspoon and Mr Abiola Oladapo, who resigned their appointments as members of OSOPADEC to contest elective positions in their respective state constituencies.
Governor Akeredolu congratulates the new appointees, while charging them
to work for the development of the mandate areas and the state at large.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 4, 2022.
Court Jails One in Abuja for $10,000 Fraud
Justice C.O Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting in Kwali Abuja has convicted and sentenced Mayor Adonor to a fine of N50,000( Fifty Thousand Naira) for obtaining money under false pretence.
He was jailed on July 1, 2022 after pleading guilty to one -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, preferred against him by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The count reads, ‘that you Mayor Adonor (AKA Zack Chang, Mayor Mei, Alex Chang, Chen Wei and Efua Chang) sometime in 2022, at Abuja FCT within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, through your Facebook account cheat by pretending to be a Chinese oil and gas engineer based in Italy and in that regard you tricked your victim by name Karen with intent to obtain $10,000 (Ten thousand US Dollars only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 321 and 322 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 respectively.’
Based on his plea, Justice Agashieze convicted and sentenced him to a fine of N50,000.
Adonor began his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent dealings. He was prosecuted and convicted.
Media & Publicity
July 2, 2022
Missing Certificate: I made second best result in 1976 – Okowa
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday debunked reports that he had no West Africa School Certificate (WASC) certificate, saying he made the second best result in his set in the country in 1976.
He said that the issue around the certificate was deliberate wrong perception and unnecessary politics, and explained that virtually all universities in the country offered him admission based on his outstanding performance in WASC and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination.
Okowa made this known while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Ar
ea.
He said: “On the issue of my certificate, I think it is a misconception. People try to play politics with everything.
“Yes, I lost my WAEC certificate, but I have the print out from Edo College, Benin City, which clearly stated that I have distinction in all subjects.
“The Higher School Certificate was attached and it has been acknowledged by Edo College and the school put it out there that I made an ‘A’ `B’ `B’.
“I do not pride myself but it was very difficult to make such grade in higher school at that time.
“My high school result was the second best nationally in 1976, when I finished. So, many universities admitted me through Telegram as at that time, and I had to start making choices of which to accept.
“Of course, it’s very clear that I finished medical school at the University of Ibadan. I was 21years and some months; I was less than 22 years of age.’’
On the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the governor called on the Federal Government to expedite action in resolving the issues, adding that every government should be sincere enough to keep to promises and agreements at all times.
“We continue to sympathise with our students who have been at home for several months now rather than being in school.
“I use this opportunity to call on the Federal government to do something urgently to end the strike.
“It’s not a good thing for the children, parents and even education in general. It is unfortunate that the Federal government has not been able to attend to issues, as requested by ASUU.
“For every government, if promises are made, we must ensure that we keep to our promises and if there are things that cannot be done, you let people know,’’ he said.
Okowa remarked that lecturers were not on strike in the four universities owned by the state, “for us in Delta State, we are fulfilling all the requirements and that’s why you can see that this university and our three other universities are all active and in session because we do not have any issues with our lecturers.
“All our four universities are in session because we pay special attention to education in Delta State, and our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also assured that education occupies a prime position in our `Rescue Nigeria’ mission.’’
He expressed satisfaction with the Management of the university in Ozoro for successfully admitting 1,850 students in the first year, disclosing that no fewer than 3,000 applicants chose the university as first choice in the new session, starting in October.
“That over 3,000 applicants have chosen the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as first choice is very heart-warming and it goes to show that our decision to upgrade the Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology is a very good decision.’’
He also lauded the university for using the engineering students to execute some projects in the school.
“We walked through some concrete paved roads executed by the university with engineering students and it is very encouraging that they are putting their students to practice and their lecturers also have the opportunity to practicalise what they teach.
“You will recall in the same manner when the school was a polytechnic that they used their students and their engineering staff to build the stadium in the campus.
“This is very encouraging because it is important that we actually ensure that our students are not only groomed up in theory but also put to practice what they learn and that’s exactly what we look forward to,” the governor said.
Lagos Opebi-Ojota Link Road Project: Julius Berger is strongly engineering to fruition Lagos State Government’s dream for a better transportation network – Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu
– “We are Julius Berger, and we are besting every technical challenge and progressing at good pace”, says JBN Project Manager
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has said that the country’s engineering construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is helping the state government to actualise its dream for a better transportation network for Lagos.
He spoke in Lagos weekend at the completion of the first Pile Cast on the Lagos Opebi-Maryland Link Road bridge through his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye.
According to the governor, “…what Julius Berger is doing here is not unexpected. They are known for good quality work. Like the Commissioner for Transportation will always say, what we have here is a collaboration between the Ministry of Works and Lands and Housing.
“It is something that we thought about and decided that this was the best network that will work for Lagos. So, what Julius Berger is doing here is they are seriously bringing to fruition our ideas on paper. And so far, so good,” she added.
Speaking while explaining the basics of the Link Road project to Lagos State government officials, the Project Manager, Denysenko Dmytriy said the first pile cap being completed is the first in a lot more to create a stable foundation for the bridge to be constructed over them. “It also offers a larger area for the spread of the concrete load that would eventually be on the piles,” he said. The Project manager also said that the project has been very challenging given its difficult terrain, “because all water from Ikeja come through here before it discharges into the Lagoon. Nevertheless, we are Julius Berger and we habitually, professionally deliver excellent strength and quality even in challenging topographies. This project is very important to Lagos state government because of its unique utility, and we remain strongly committed to its accomplishment,” he further said.
The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge has a total length of 3.89 kilometres consisting 2829 metre road length with 276-metre Deck-on-Pile Bridge and 474 metre Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall approach sections. The Lagos State Government’s Legacy Project as it called in official circles, whose construction is taking off 20 years after conception, is expected to link Opebi in Allen Avenue area with Ojota and Maryland through Odo-Iya Alaro underpass.
Sanwo-Olu at the flag-off ceremony last January said that the project scheduled to be completed in 2023, is strategic because of the huge traffic bearing capacity of the area, as it will help reduce the perennial gridlock along the Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Road that leads to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. According to the Governor, “…in consideration of the exponential growth rate of commercial activities and services within this axis, and to address the challenge of the huge traffic burden occasioned by the growth, we decided to provide carefully designed innovative solutions to ease the daily gridlock experienced by commuters around Opebi / Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way/ Ojota/Mende corridor.” The Governor further stated at the time that, “… as you are aware, there is presently no direct link between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. The available road infrastructure that links the axis is also limited in its connectivity options, thus during peak periods, the high traffic volume within the axis usually congests the Ikeja Traffic Network.”
Among representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the event were Regional Manager Technical, Thomas Balzuweit, Engr. Nath Ikem, Engr.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES NIGERIA’S ICONIC THESPIAN, JIMI SOLANKE, AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the performing arts industry in celebrating one of the country’s most celebrated thespians, Jimi Solanke, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Describing the veteran songwriter, actor, performer, visual artist, poet and storyteller as a national hero, the President thanks him immensely for using his talents and works to help shape the modern and vibrant creative industry in Nigeria.
President Buhari hopes that Baba Agba’s repertoire of works and skills , which is a signpost of the best in Nigeria’s culture, drama and entertainment, will continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to work on using the theatre to address contemporary issues , promoting peace, unity and progress across the country.
The President prays for God’s continued guidance and blessings on the octogenarian, and wishes everyone celebrating with the legend bountiful success in their endeavours.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Two Jailed for Romance Scam in Abuja
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of two fraudsters, Destiny Unabor and Confidence Ekeanya before Justices A.A Halilu and S.B. Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo and Bwari respectively, for charges bordering on impersonation and romance scam.
Unabor created a Facebook page with the name, Steven Zheng, a Singaporean engineer, and professed love to Seika Goto and Jennifer Chen, both Chinese nationals, in an attempt to obtain financial benefit from them.
Upon arraignment today July 4, 2022, he pleaded guilty to a one count charge.
In view of his plea, Justice Halilu sentenced Unabor to one year in prison with the option of a fine of N70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira only). He is also to forfeit his phone and laptop to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Similarly, Justice Belgore sentenced Ekeanya to one year in prison with option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) fine. He is also to forfeit his mobile phone and laptop and restitute $650 (Six Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) to his victim.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to a one count charge. He induced one Mr. Collins, an American, to deliver the sum of $5,000 (Five Thousand US Dollars) to him over a phantom romantic relationship while pretending to be Stephanie, based in London.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
YOU’VE INDEED BEEN A WORTHY AMBASSADOR OF OUR COUNTRY, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS BARKINDO, OUTGOING OPEC SECRETARY-GENERAL
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed the nation’s gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammed Barkindo, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the country.
Receiving Barkindo at State House, the President said posterity will remember him kindly for making the nation and himself proud during his six years of meritorious service at the helm of affairs as the 4th OPEC Secretary-General from Nigeria.
The President directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to mobilise the oil and gas industry to organise a befitting welcome reception in honour of Barkindo.
‘‘You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country. We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.
‘‘Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry. Oil producers were finding it difficult to come together to address challenges that were crippling the oil market.
‘‘Not long after, the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic that sent crude prices spiralling down at an alarming rate. You showed incredible leadership to rally industry players and pushed through the turbulent times.
‘‘There is no doubt about your efforts in putting together the Declaration of Cooperation which is the largest in the history of OPEC and the global oil industry and also the longest in duration in the history of the organization. This was a herculean task,’’ the President said.
The Nigerian leader heaped more praises on his compatriot for providing experienced administrative management to OPEC, adding that his efforts have placed the organization in a stronger position to confront the challenges it will face in the coming years.
In his remarks, Barkindo attributed his success to the tremendous guidance, charisma and international gravitas of President Buhari; support from OPEC secretariat in Vienna; and cooperation by members of the organisation.
He recounted how the counsel from President Buhari helped in the birthing of the Declaration of Cooperation of OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, after he assumed office in Vienna, Austria in 2016 during a downturn in the sector when oil prices plunged to less than 10 U.S dollars per barrel.
‘‘It was very obvious to me that this was beyond OPEC alone to address. We needed to get the support of other leading oil producers around the world.
‘‘I recall that I did consult with you and I drank from your fountain of wisdom and your deep reservoir of knowledge of OPEC and global affairs.
‘‘With your advice and guidance, I set out to various capitals around the world to try to persuade them to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for them to urgently join hands with OPEC.
‘‘I did explain to them that they do not have to be full members of OPEC but we could work together in a framework of cooperation and on the 10th December, 2016 we signed this historic agreement in Vienna and on the 1st January, we started working together and we were able to assist the oil market restore stability.’’
The former OPEC Secretary-General noted that the Declaration of Cooperation, which is now in its sixth year, also helped the organisation to navigate the turbulence in the market occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He explained that amidst COVID-19, the organisation took a decision to withdraw 9.6 million barrels per day from the market- the highest ever adjustment in its history- for a duration of two years.
He added that OPEC is now in the final lap of restoring the production figures due to rebound in the global market and economy.
Barkindo stressed that ‘‘throughout the period of my tenure I have continued to benefit from the President’s international goodwill and everywhere I visited in the world both within OPEC and outside OPEC, the first person your fellow Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings, ask me of is; how is my brother, President Muhamamdu Buhari.’’
Having survived the major turbulences in 2016 and 2020, Barkindo expressed confidence that the worst is over and the future looks very promising for the organisation.
He, therefore, thanked President Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve, pledging that Nigeria would continue to play its leadership role in OPEC as well as in the global oil industry.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Court Convicts One, Two Arraigned for N18m Fraud in Maiduguri
Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Horso Amma Abba to seven years imprisonment.
Abba was arraigned on April 11, 2019 by the Maiduguri Zonal Command on a one count charge that bordered on obtaining by false pretence. He was alleged to have sold a property belonging to Alhaji Ahmed Kois Abdulkarim without his consent and diverted the proceeds to his own use.
The count reads: “That you, Hurso Abba Amma, between September and November, 2016 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced one Muhammad Nur to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) only in payment of consideration for purported sale of a house situate at behind Umar Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State under the fasle pretence that you were authorised to sell same for an on behalf of the real owner which fact you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 1 (1) (b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 respectively.”
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.
During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir, presented three witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence.
In his judgment, Justice Fadawu said the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, convicted and sentenced Abba to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine. The judge further ordered that the prison term shall take effect from July 4, 2022.
In another development, the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC today arraigned the duo of Umar Mustapha and Al’amin Idris before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, on two counts of conspiracy and cheating to the tune of N15,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira).
Count two reads: “That you, Umar Mustapha, Zanna Mala Bukar and Al’amin Idris sometime in March 2020 at Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, induced Abubakar Gimba to deliver to you the sum of N15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million Naira) under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a purported plot of land laying and situated in GRA Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Maiduguri, Borno State and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 (a) and punishable under section 322 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Borno State.”
The defendants pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges preferred against them.
Consequently, the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendants pending the determination of the case.
Justice Kumaliya ordered the remand of the defendants in prison custody and adjourned till July 25, 2022 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Atiku’s Missteps, Wike’s Righteous Indignation
By Erasmus Ikhide
HATE or like Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s (NEW) style of politics; his objective stance on what he believes in, his refusal to call a spade by other names, or his failure for pretext to become another person in order to acquire power. Politics would have been described differently if it’s devoid of intrigues and intricacies. Those are the attributes that set the no-nonsense first class ‘Mr Projects’ Governor of Rivers State apart from the rest.
Wike’s righteous indignation – even though it’s at the realm of rumour mill that he’s about to quit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or abandon its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – he would not be doing the unthinkable because of the absolute injustice meted out on him in a political party that openly subscribes to equity and justice.
First, it’s difficult to believe that PDP minders in their widest imagination would allow Atiku Abubakar from Northern Nigeria to fly the party’s presidential ticket against the constitutional provisions that talked about rotation. Second, what qualifies an Atiku Abubakar to be ranked above Governor Wike who has been dubbed “PDP Conscience” for his untiring moral and financial support at a time Atiku Abubakar was hawking himself to be nominated by the APC under its presidential ticket?
What’s the reward for commitment, resilience and party loyalty if inconsistent character, political prostitute like Atiku Abubakar who has been junketing from one political party to another without ideology should be rewarded for debasing the same PDP in the past? Why should Governor Wike support a prodigal, compulsive political opportunist whose only political deposit has been that he comes from a region with manipulated population and make-believe myths of being in possession of stolen wealth with an entitlement mentality?
It’s even more infuriating that Governor Wike who scored fourteen (14) out of seventeen (17) votes cast to nominate PDP Vice Presidential candidate was left in the cold for little known Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whose only contribution was that he opened Delta State treasury for Dollars rain on PDP delegates on Atiku’s behalf.
For a fact, the combination of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa as one of the major opposition political parties has deflated the hope of Nigerians who were looking up to the party for redemption after seven years of the APC’s ruinous administration. This is because perception is everything in politics. Nigerians see Atiku Abubakar as a doyen of corruption, Fulani fundamentalist and a precursor of bloodbath.
The other day, Atiku Abubakar quickly pulled down his tweet condemning the roasting alive of Deborah Samuel after Islamic bandits threatened him with a-no-vote in next year’s presidential election. How can such unstable hermit who barely visit Nigeria from his Dubai base each time elections are around the corner be trusted?
Atiku’s missteps and Wike’s righteous indignation has become the PDP’s knew Achilles heel because you can’t step into the same river twice! It’s even more so now that Nigerians have an alternative to the leprous and vanquished APC and PDP. Nigerians are now ‘ Obedient ‘ in Labour Party!!
Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece from Lagos Nigeria via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
Court Convicts Man for N6m Scam
The Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 4, 2022, secured the conviction of one Chike Akwitti (alias Dr. Justified Iseoma Nnaemeka) before justice Sylvanus Origi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The convict was arraigned on December 16, 2015, on a four count charge of obtaining by false pretence and theft to the tune of about N6,370, 000(Six Million Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira).
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Chike Akwitti alias Dr. Justified Isioma Nnaemeka, ‘Emeralds Chike’ between the 2nd and 8th of December, 2015 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory did with intent to defraud obtain the total sum of N5,000,000.00( Five Million Naira Only) from one Nkechi Joy Ani under the false pretence that the money would be used to finance property transaction which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, setting the stage for his full trial. The EFCC through the prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi called four witnesses and tendered documents in evidence.
Justice Origi on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted the defendant, who is still at large, on counts one, two and three, but acquitted him on count four.
The judge adjourned the matter to 13 July, 2022, for sentencing.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
July 3, 2022
LIRS OPTIMIZES PAYMENT PROCEDURE ON eTAX FOR TAXPAYERS
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is currently optimizing its payment procedures for utmost efficiency and taxpayers’ convenience.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ayodele Subair, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the Agency, as part of its digitalization process, is discontinuing all previously used bill references effective from August 1st, 2022.
Consequently, according to the Chairman, only the Enterprise Tax Solutions (eTax), generated bill references will be acceptable for tax payments.
The eTax platform, (https://etax.lirs.net) which went live in October 2019, was launched by LIRS to engender seamless tax operations and reduce compliance costs to taxpayers. Since its launch, eTax has improved the effectiveness of tax administration in Lagos State.
Mr Subair added that the eTax was built as a one-stop shop for all tax transactions, and it is in the same spirit that the generation of bill references, required for all tax payments is now exclusive to the eTax platform.
He reiterated that by the cutoff date of August 1st, 2022, eTax would become the only authorized channel to generate bill reference for tax payments and other tax-related transactions in Lagos State.
To generate a bill reference on e-Tax, taxpayers can use the 5 easy steps below:
For further assistance on eTax or other related enquiries, taxpayers are enjoined to call LIRS customer service hotline on 0700 2255 5477 or send email to etaxinfo@lirs.net.
Visit the website: https://lirs.gov.ng, Follow on Twitter:@lirsgovng, Facebook: @lirsgovng, Instagram: @lirsgovng
Signed:
Monsurat Amasa
Head, Corporate Communications
LIRS
Internet Fraud: Eight Convicted in Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 1, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters before different Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate amended one count charge each of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The offences contravene Section 22 (2) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and Section 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The convicts are Alabi Gift Jesse, Sulaimon Qudus Olasukanmi, Ridwan Gbolahan Olayiwola, Adenuga Adeniran Sunday, Afuye Adeniyi Emmanuel, Yusuf Ademola Matthew, Adele Fuad Ayinde and Olayinka Taiwo Olaniyi.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.
Upon their pleas, prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur and Shamsuddeen Bashir, urged the courts to convict and sentence them as charged.
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced Jesse to eleven months imprisonment, while Justice Iyabo Yerima of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Emmanuel and Matthew to six months community service each.
Similarly, Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Olasukanmi, Olayiwola, Sunday, Ayinde and Olaniyi to six months community service each.
The convicts were ordered by the courts to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Press Statement
Akeredolu Appoints New Members Of OSOPADEC
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has approved the appointment of Nuel Olatunbosun Elehinle and Olafusi Kehinde Akintoroye as members of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The appointment takes immediate effect.
The new appointees are to replace Mrs. Morenike Witherspoon and Mr Abiola Oladapo, who resigned their appointments as members of OSOPADEC to contest elective positions in their respective state constituencies.
Governor Akeredolu congratulates the new appointees, while charging them
to work for the development of the mandate areas and the state at large.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 4, 2022.
Court Jails One in Abuja for $10,000 Fraud
Justice C.O Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting in Kwali Abuja has convicted and sentenced Mayor Adonor to a fine of N50,000( Fifty Thousand Naira) for obtaining money under false pretence.
He was jailed on July 1, 2022 after pleading guilty to one -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, preferred against him by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The count reads, ‘that you Mayor Adonor (AKA Zack Chang, Mayor Mei, Alex Chang, Chen Wei and Efua Chang) sometime in 2022, at Abuja FCT within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, through your Facebook account cheat by pretending to be a Chinese oil and gas engineer based in Italy and in that regard you tricked your victim by name Karen with intent to obtain $10,000 (Ten thousand US Dollars only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 321 and 322 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 respectively.’
Based on his plea, Justice Agashieze convicted and sentenced him to a fine of N50,000.
Adonor began his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent dealings. He was prosecuted and convicted.
Media & Publicity
July 2, 2022
Lagos Opebi-Ojota Link Road Project:
Julius Berger is strongly engineering to fruition Lagos State Government’s dream for a better transportation network – Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu
– “We are Julius Berger, and we are besting every technical challenge and progressing at good pace”, says JBN Project Manager
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has said that the country’s engineering construction leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is helping the state government to actualise its dream for a better transportation network for Lagos.
He spoke in Lagos weekend at the completion of the first Pile Cast on the Lagos Opebi-Maryland Link Road bridge through his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye.
According to the governor, “…what Julius Berger is doing here is not unexpected. They are known for good quality work. Like the Commissioner for Transportation will always say, what we have here is a collaboration between the Ministry of Works and Lands and Housing.
“It is something that we thought about and decided that this was the best network that will work for Lagos. So, what Julius Berger is doing here is they are seriously bringing to fruition our ideas on paper. And so far, so good,” she added.
Speaking while explaining the basics of the Link Road project to Lagos State government officials, the Project Manager, Denysenko Dmytriy said the first pile cap being completed is the first in a lot more to create a stable foundation for the bridge to be constructed over them. “It also offers a larger area for the spread of the concrete load that would eventually be on the piles,” he said. The Project manager also said that the project has been very challenging given its difficult terrain, “because all water from Ikeja come through here before it discharges into the Lagoon. Nevertheless, we are Julius Berger and we habitually, professionally deliver excellent strength and quality even in challenging topographies. This project is very important to Lagos state government because of its unique utility, and we remain strongly committed to its accomplishment,” he further said.
The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge has a total length of 3.89 kilometres consisting 2829 metre road length with 276-metre Deck-on-Pile Bridge and 474 metre Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall approach sections. The Lagos State Government’s Legacy Project as it called in official circles, whose construction is taking off 20 years after conception, is expected to link Opebi in Allen Avenue area with Ojota and Maryland through Odo-Iya Alaro underpass.
Sanwo-Olu at the flag-off ceremony last January said that the project scheduled to be completed in 2023, is strategic because of the huge traffic bearing capacity of the area, as it will help reduce the perennial gridlock along the Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Road that leads to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. According to the Governor, “…in consideration of the exponential growth rate of commercial activities and services within this axis, and to address the challenge of the huge traffic burden occasioned by the growth, we decided to provide carefully designed innovative solutions to ease the daily gridlock experienced by commuters around Opebi / Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way/ Ojota/Mende corridor.” The Governor further stated at the time that, “… as you are aware, there is presently no direct link between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. The available road infrastructure that links the axis is also limited in its connectivity options, thus during peak periods, the high traffic volume within the axis usually congests the Ikeja Traffic Network.”
Among representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the event were Regional Manager Technical, Thomas Balzuweit, Engr. Nath Ikem, Engr.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES NIGERIA’S ICONIC THESPIAN, JIMI SOLANKE, AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the performing arts industry in celebrating one of the country’s most celebrated thespians, Jimi Solanke, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Describing the veteran songwriter, actor, performer, visual artist, poet and storyteller as a national hero, the President thanks him immensely for using his talents and works to help shape the modern and vibrant creative industry in Nigeria.
President Buhari hopes that Baba Agba’s repertoire of works and skills , which is a signpost of the best in Nigeria’s culture, drama and entertainment, will continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to work on using the theatre to address contemporary issues , promoting peace, unity and progress across the country.
The President prays for God’s continued guidance and blessings on the octogenarian, and wishes everyone celebrating with the legend bountiful success in their endeavours.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Two Jailed for Romance Scam in Abuja
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of two fraudsters, Destiny Unabor and Confidence Ekeanya before Justices A.A Halilu and S.B. Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo and Bwari respectively, for charges bordering on impersonation and romance scam.
Unabor created a Facebook page with the name, Steven Zheng, a Singaporean engineer, and professed love to Seika Goto and Jennifer Chen, both Chinese nationals, in an attempt to obtain financial benefit from them.
Upon arraignment today July 4, 2022, he pleaded guilty to a one count charge.
In view of his plea, Justice Halilu sentenced Unabor to one year in prison with the option of a fine of N70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira only). He is also to forfeit his phone and laptop to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Similarly, Justice Belgore sentenced Ekeanya to one year in prison with option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) fine. He is also to forfeit his mobile phone and laptop and restitute $650 (Six Hundred and Fifty US Dollars) to his victim.
He was jailed after pleading guilty to a one count charge. He induced one Mr. Collins, an American, to deliver the sum of $5,000 (Five Thousand US Dollars) to him over a phantom romantic relationship while pretending to be Stephanie, based in London.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
YOU’VE INDEED BEEN A WORTHY AMBASSADOR OF OUR COUNTRY, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS BARKINDO, OUTGOING OPEC SECRETARY-GENERAL
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed the nation’s gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammed Barkindo, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the country.
Receiving Barkindo at State House, the President said posterity will remember him kindly for making the nation and himself proud during his six years of meritorious service at the helm of affairs as the 4th OPEC Secretary-General from Nigeria.
The President directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to mobilise the oil and gas industry to organise a befitting welcome reception in honour of Barkindo.
‘‘You have indeed been a worthy ambassador of our country. We are proud of your achievements before and during your appointment at OPEC and the proud legacies you will leave behind.
‘‘Your time in charge of the affairs of OPEC has been a very challenging one for the global oil industry. Oil producers were finding it difficult to come together to address challenges that were crippling the oil market.
‘‘Not long after, the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic that sent crude prices spiralling down at an alarming rate. You showed incredible leadership to rally industry players and pushed through the turbulent times.
‘‘There is no doubt about your efforts in putting together the Declaration of Cooperation which is the largest in the history of OPEC and the global oil industry and also the longest in duration in the history of the organization. This was a herculean task,’’ the President said.
The Nigerian leader heaped more praises on his compatriot for providing experienced administrative management to OPEC, adding that his efforts have placed the organization in a stronger position to confront the challenges it will face in the coming years.
In his remarks, Barkindo attributed his success to the tremendous guidance, charisma and international gravitas of President Buhari; support from OPEC secretariat in Vienna; and cooperation by members of the organisation.
He recounted how the counsel from President Buhari helped in the birthing of the Declaration of Cooperation of OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, after he assumed office in Vienna, Austria in 2016 during a downturn in the sector when oil prices plunged to less than 10 U.S dollars per barrel.
‘‘It was very obvious to me that this was beyond OPEC alone to address. We needed to get the support of other leading oil producers around the world.
‘‘I recall that I did consult with you and I drank from your fountain of wisdom and your deep reservoir of knowledge of OPEC and global affairs.
‘‘With your advice and guidance, I set out to various capitals around the world to try to persuade them to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for them to urgently join hands with OPEC.
‘‘I did explain to them that they do not have to be full members of OPEC but we could work together in a framework of cooperation and on the 10th December, 2016 we signed this historic agreement in Vienna and on the 1st January, we started working together and we were able to assist the oil market restore stability.’’
The former OPEC Secretary-General noted that the Declaration of Cooperation, which is now in its sixth year, also helped the organisation to navigate the turbulence in the market occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He explained that amidst COVID-19, the organisation took a decision to withdraw 9.6 million barrels per day from the market- the highest ever adjustment in its history- for a duration of two years.
He added that OPEC is now in the final lap of restoring the production figures due to rebound in the global market and economy.
Barkindo stressed that ‘‘throughout the period of my tenure I have continued to benefit from the President’s international goodwill and everywhere I visited in the world both within OPEC and outside OPEC, the first person your fellow Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings, ask me of is; how is my brother, President Muhamamdu Buhari.’’
Having survived the major turbulences in 2016 and 2020, Barkindo expressed confidence that the worst is over and the future looks very promising for the organisation.
He, therefore, thanked President Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve, pledging that Nigeria would continue to play its leadership role in OPEC as well as in the global oil industry.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2022
Court Convicts One, Two Arraigned for N18m Fraud in Maiduguri
Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Horso Amma Abba to seven years imprisonment.
Abba was arraigned on April 11, 2019 by the Maiduguri Zonal Command on a one count charge that bordered on obtaining by false pretence. He was alleged to have sold a property belonging to Alhaji Ahmed Kois Abdulkarim without his consent and diverted the proceeds to his own use.
The count reads: “That you, Hurso Abba Amma, between September and November, 2016 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced one Muhammad Nur to deliver to you the sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) only in payment of consideration for purported sale of a house situate at behind Umar Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State under the fasle pretence that you were authorised to sell same for an on behalf of the real owner which fact you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 1 (1) (b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 respectively.”
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.
During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir, presented three witnesses and tendered several documents in evidence.
In his judgment, Justice Fadawu said the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, convicted and sentenced Abba to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine. The judge further ordered that the prison term shall take effect from July 4, 2022.
In another development, the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC today arraigned the duo of Umar Mustapha and Al’amin Idris before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, on two counts of conspiracy and cheating to the tune of N15,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira).
Count two reads: “That you, Umar Mustapha, Zanna Mala Bukar and Al’amin Idris sometime in March 2020 at Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, induced Abubakar Gimba to deliver to you the sum of N15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million Naira) under the guise that the said amount represent payment for the purchase of a purported plot of land laying and situated in GRA Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Maiduguri, Borno State and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 (a) and punishable under section 322 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Borno State.”
The defendants pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges preferred against them.
Consequently, the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendants pending the determination of the case.
Justice Kumaliya ordered the remand of the defendants in prison custody and adjourned till July 25, 2022 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Atiku’s Missteps, Wike’s Righteous Indignation
By Erasmus Ikhide
HATE or like Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s (NEW) style of politics; his objective stance on what he believes in, his refusal to call a spade by other names, or his failure for pretext to become another person in order to acquire power. Politics would have been described differently if it’s devoid of intrigues and intricacies. Those are the attributes that set the no-nonsense first class ‘Mr Projects’ Governor of Rivers State apart from the rest.
Wike’s righteous indignation – even though it’s at the realm of rumour mill that he’s about to quit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or abandon its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – he would not be doing the unthinkable because of the absolute injustice meted out on him in a political party that openly subscribes to equity and justice.
First, it’s difficult to believe that PDP minders in their widest imagination would allow Atiku Abubakar from Northern Nigeria to fly the party’s presidential ticket against the constitutional provisions that talked about rotation. Second, what qualifies an Atiku Abubakar to be ranked above Governor Wike who has been dubbed “PDP Conscience” for his untiring moral and financial support at a time Atiku Abubakar was hawking himself to be nominated by the APC under its presidential ticket?
What’s the reward for commitment, resilience and party loyalty if inconsistent character, political prostitute like Atiku Abubakar who has been junketing from one political party to another without ideology should be rewarded for debasing the same PDP in the past? Why should Governor Wike support a prodigal, compulsive political opportunist whose only political deposit has been that he comes from a region with manipulated population and make-believe myths of being in possession of stolen wealth with an entitlement mentality?
It’s even more infuriating that Governor Wike who scored fourteen (14) out of seventeen (17) votes cast to nominate PDP Vice Presidential candidate was left in the cold for little known Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whose only contribution was that he opened Delta State treasury for Dollars rain on PDP delegates on Atiku’s behalf.
For a fact, the combination of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa as one of the major opposition political parties has deflated the hope of Nigerians who were looking up to the party for redemption after seven years of the APC’s ruinous administration. This is because perception is everything in politics. Nigerians see Atiku Abubakar as a doyen of corruption, Fulani fundamentalist and a precursor of bloodbath.
The other day, Atiku Abubakar quickly pulled down his tweet condemning the roasting alive of Deborah Samuel after Islamic bandits threatened him with a-no-vote in next year’s presidential election. How can such unstable hermit who barely visit Nigeria from his Dubai base each time elections are around the corner be trusted?
Atiku’s missteps and Wike’s righteous indignation has become the PDP’s knew Achilles heel because you can’t step into the same river twice! It’s even more so now that Nigerians have an alternative to the leprous and vanquished APC and PDP. Nigerians are now ‘ Obedient ‘ in Labour Party!!
Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece from Lagos Nigeria via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
Court Convicts Man for N6m Scam
The Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 4, 2022, secured the conviction of one Chike Akwitti (alias Dr. Justified Iseoma Nnaemeka) before justice Sylvanus Origi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The convict was arraigned on December 16, 2015, on a four count charge of obtaining by false pretence and theft to the tune of about N6,370, 000(Six Million Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira).
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Chike Akwitti alias Dr. Justified Isioma Nnaemeka, ‘Emeralds Chike’ between the 2nd and 8th of December, 2015 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory did with intent to defraud obtain the total sum of N5,000,000.00( Five Million Naira Only) from one Nkechi Joy Ani under the false pretence that the money would be used to finance property transaction which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, setting the stage for his full trial. The EFCC through the prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi called four witnesses and tendered documents in evidence.
Justice Origi on Monday, July 4, 2022, convicted the defendant, who is still at large, on counts one, two and three, but acquitted him on count four.
The judge adjourned the matter to 13 July, 2022, for sentencing.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
July 3, 2022
LIRS OPTIMIZES PAYMENT PROCEDURE ON eTAX FOR TAXPAYERS
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is currently optimizing its payment procedures for utmost efficiency and taxpayers’ convenience.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Ayodele Subair, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the Agency, as part of its digitalization process, is discontinuing all previously used bill references effective from August 1st, 2022.
Consequently, according to the Chairman, only the Enterprise Tax Solutions (eTax), generated bill references will be acceptable for tax payments.
The eTax platform, (https://etax.lirs.net) which went live in October 2019, was launched by LIRS to engender seamless tax operations and reduce compliance costs to taxpayers. Since its launch, eTax has improved the effectiveness of tax administration in Lagos State.
Mr Subair added that the eTax was built as a one-stop shop for all tax transactions, and it is in the same spirit that the generation of bill references, required for all tax payments is now exclusive to the eTax platform.
He reiterated that by the cutoff date of August 1st, 2022, eTax would become the only authorized channel to generate bill reference for tax payments and other tax-related transactions in Lagos State.
To generate a bill reference on e-Tax, taxpayers can use the 5 easy steps below:
For further assistance on eTax or other related enquiries, taxpayers are enjoined to call LIRS customer service hotline on 0700 2255 5477 or send email to etaxinfo@lirs.net.
Visit the website: https://lirs.gov.ng, Follow on Twitter:@lirsgovng, Facebook: @lirsgovng, Instagram: @lirsgovng
Signed:
Monsurat Amasa
Head, Corporate Communications
LIRS
Internet Fraud: Eight Convicted in Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 1, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters before different Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate amended one count charge each of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The offences contravene Section 22 (2) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015 and Section 419 and 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The convicts are Alabi Gift Jesse, Sulaimon Qudus Olasukanmi, Ridwan Gbolahan Olayiwola, Adenuga Adeniran Sunday, Afuye Adeniyi Emmanuel, Yusuf Ademola Matthew, Adele Fuad Ayinde and Olayinka Taiwo Olaniyi.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.
Upon their pleas, prosecution counsel, Mabas Mabur and Shamsuddeen Bashir, urged the courts to convict and sentence them as charged.
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced Jesse to eleven months imprisonment, while Justice Iyabo Yerima of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Emmanuel and Matthew to six months community service each.
Similarly, Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court convicted and sentenced Olasukanmi, Olayiwola, Sunday, Ayinde and Olaniyi to six months community service each.
The convicts were ordered by the courts to restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
Media & Publicity
4 July, 2022
Press Statement
Akeredolu Appoints New Members Of OSOPADEC
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has approved the appointment of Nuel Olatunbosun Elehinle and Olafusi Kehinde Akintoroye as members of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The appointment takes immediate effect.
The new appointees are to replace Mrs. Morenike Witherspoon and Mr Abiola Oladapo, who resigned their appointments as members of OSOPADEC to contest elective positions in their respective state constituencies.
Governor Akeredolu congratulates the new appointees, while charging them
to work for the development of the mandate areas and the state at large.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 4, 2022.
Court Jails One in Abuja for $10,000 Fraud
Justice C.O Agashieze of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting in Kwali Abuja has convicted and sentenced Mayor Adonor to a fine of N50,000( Fifty Thousand Naira) for obtaining money under false pretence.
He was jailed on July 1, 2022 after pleading guilty to one -count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, preferred against him by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The count reads, ‘that you Mayor Adonor (AKA Zack Chang, Mayor Mei, Alex Chang, Chen Wei and Efua Chang) sometime in 2022, at Abuja FCT within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, through your Facebook account cheat by pretending to be a Chinese oil and gas engineer based in Italy and in that regard you tricked your victim by name Karen with intent to obtain $10,000 (Ten thousand US Dollars only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 321 and 322 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 respectively.’
Based on his plea, Justice Agashieze convicted and sentenced him to a fine of N50,000.
Adonor began his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent dealings. He was prosecuted and convicted.
Media & Publicity
July 2, 2022
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “urgently recover missing N105.7bn of public funds from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to fund the country’s public tertiary institutions, improve the welfare of staff members, and ensure that the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) return to class without further delay.”
SERAP said, “Pending the recovery of the missing public funds, we urge you to redirect some of the presidency’s budget of N3.6 billion on feeding and travels, and the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 budget to meet the demands by ASUU.”
SERAP also urged him to “send to the National Assembly a fresh supplementary appropriation bill, which reflects the proposed redirected budget, for its approval.
In the letter dated 2 July, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Meeting the demands by ASUU would confront the persistent and widening inequality in educational opportunity, and promote equal protection for poor Nigerian children.”
According to SERAP, “The apparent failure by your government to agree with the reasonable demands by ASUU, implement the good faith agreement with the union and to satisfactorily resolve the issues has kept poor Nigerian children at home while the children of the country’s politicians attend private schools.”
The ASUU accused the government of poor commitment to the payment of academic earned allowance (EAA); poor funding, the continued use of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System and refusal to adopt the Universities Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), among others.
SERAP said, “Meeting ASUU demands would also ensure protection against the harms of discrimination and educational deprivation.”
The letter, read in part: “The poor treatment of Nigerian children in the country’s public tertiary institutions is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
“Widening inequalities in the area of education bear all the more dramatic consequences given the importance of education, as an empowering right, in giving the possibility to all to explore and realise their potential.”
“Inequalities in education have a rolling effect, leading to even more and continued inequalities in the future.”
“Apart from being a right in itself, the right to education is also an enabling right. Education creates the ‘voice’ through which rights can be claimed and protected, and without education people lack the capacity to achieve valuable functioning as part of the living.”
“If people have access to education they can develop the skills, capacity and confidence to secure other rights. Education gives people the ability to access information detailing the range of rights that they hold, and government’s obligations.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Recovering the missing N105.7bn of public funds and redirecting the funds, as well as some parts of the presidency and National Assembly budgets to meet the demands by ASUU would end the protracted negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government and improve access of poor children to education.”
“Recovering the missing N105.7bn of public funds and redirecting the funds, as well as some parts of the presidency and National Assembly budgets to meet the demands by ASUU would also be in the public interest.”
“The proposed spending of taxpayers’ and public funds would also be consistent with constitutional responsibilities and oath of office by public officers, as well as comply with Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution relating to fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.”
“Recovering the missing N105.7bn of public funds and redirecting the funds, as well as some parts of the presidency and National Assembly would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, as it would promote equal opportunities for poor children who rely on public schools and have no opportunity for university education elsewhere.”
“SERAP is concerned that Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions have continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of public education offered is low and standards have continued to drop. The learning environment does not promote effective learning.”
“Public school facilities are in a state of extreme disrepair, requiring major rehabilitation. Basic teaching and learning resources are generally not available, leaving many lecturers and other staff members profoundly demoralized.”
“The failure to end the ASUU strike has hugely contributed to denying poor Nigerian children access to quality education, opportunities and development. The enjoyment of the right to education for millions of poor children remains a distant goal.”
“Under international law, states are required to progressively implement socio-economic rights including the right to quality education commensurate with the level of resources available. Gross misallocation of resources to the detriment of the enjoyment of the right to quality education can constitute a human rights violation.”
“A violation of the right to education will occur when there is insufficient expenditure or misallocation of public resources which results in the non-enjoyment of access to education by poor Nigerian children.”
“The failure to meet the reasonable demands by ASUU cannot be justified especially given the failure and/or refusal by the Federal Government to recover trillions of Naira reportedly missing in ministries, departments and agencies, and the huge funds allocated to the presidency and the National Assembly in the 2022 budget.”
“According to our information, N105.7bn of public funds are missing, as documented by the Auditor-General of the Federation in his annual audited report for 2018. Also, while the presidency has budgeted N3.6 billion for feeding and travels, N134 billion has been allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 budget.”
“Furthermore, ASUU and other university workers’ unions have been on strike for several months. The unions’ demands, among other things, include better funding for the nation’s public tertiary institutions and improved welfare for their members.”
“While your government has reportedly released N34 billion for the payment of minimum wage consequential adjustments from 2019, ASUU has maintained that until its core demands are met, it will not suspend the strike.”
“In protest of the continuous use of IPPIS and refusal by the Federal Government to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement that was completed in May 2021, ASUU resumed nationwide strike on February 14.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
3/7/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Julius Berger Appoints Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura and Mr. Chidi Anya as Independent Non-Executive Directors.
The Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has appointed two new directors, Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya to the company’s directorate.
The appointments according to a statement released on Thursday, 30th June 2022 by Mrs. Cecilia Madueke, Julius Berger’s Company Secretary, were made in a Board of Directors Meeting held on the 15th of June, 2022.
Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya will serve on the company’s Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors with effect from July 1, 2022.
The two new Non-Executive Directors will further bolster the company’s formidable directorate with their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR is a graduate of the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003 and served on various House Committees. He also has had a very distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service where he served as Ambassador to different countries, including the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Pakistan.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR had served on the Boards of State and Federal parastatals. He chairs the board of Ripen Marine Contractor Ltd and sits on the boards of Daberam Ventures Limited, Atlantic Consortium Ltd, Ferens Nigeria Ltd, and Kaira Investment Ltd. He is conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura has been notified of his new appointment as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Mr. Chidi Anya is a graduate of the University of Nigeria and holds a Master of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) of the University of Lagos. He has also attended various executive management courses at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and is recognized as a Notary Public.
Mr. Chidi Anya is the Founding Partner of The Channings Law Firm. He had previously served on the Board of FBN Holding Plc. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and a Member of the Institute of Directors. He has now been appointed to the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director and is duly notified.
Julius Berger is Nigeria’s leading construction company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects.
NIGERIA, PORTUGAL SIGN SEVERAL MOUs IN DIVERSE SECTORS
Nigeria and Portugal on Friday in Lisbon signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in different sectors.
The signing ceremony was done by cabinet level officials from the two countries as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s State Visit to the European Union country.
President Buhari and the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MoUs signed include Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training, Research and the Exchange of Information and Documentation; Cooperation in the Field of Culture; and Cooperation in the Field of Women and Girls Development, Empowerment and Gender Affairs; Youth; and Sports.
At a business forum organised during the visit, at which some of the MoUs were finalised between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce, President Buhari had described the progress in signing the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
A Court Jails Senator Nwaoboshi 7 Years for Money Laundering
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday, July 1, 2022 convicted and sentenced Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, to 7 years imprisonment along with his two companies: Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd
In addition, the Court of Appeal ordered that the companies who were the 2nd and 3rd respondents in appeal be wound up in line with Section 22 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and their properties forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria
The panel, comprising Justices Abdullahi Bayero, Obande Ogbuniya and Peter Affen in their judgment held that the trial court erred because the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the respondents and thus reverse the earlier judgement discharging and acquitting the respondents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had challenged the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court which on June 18, 2021 discharged and acquitted the defendants of a two count charge of fraud and money laundering.
EFCC had arraigned the three defendants over the acquisition of a property named Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million. Part of the money paid to the vendor, precisely a sum of N322 million transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd was alleged to be part of proceeds of fraud.
But in his judgment, Justice Aneke held that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses and tender concrete evidence to prove the elements of the offences for which it charged the defendants.
Justice Aneke said the evidence of PW2 “proved that the third defendant obtained a loan of N1.2 billion from Zenith Bank for purchase of additional equipment and as provision of working capital.
“It also proved that the loan of N1.2 billion together with interest of N24 million was properly granted to the third. Nothing else was proved by the complainant or prosecutor in this case,” the judge said.
He claimed a fatal blow was dealt the case of the prosecution by its failure to call officials of Sterling Bank “to testify and probably tender exhibits F and F10”.
Consequently, he discharged and acquitted the defendants.
However ruling on the EFCC’s appeal today, the Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred in dismissing the charges against the respondents. It said the prosecution had proved the ingredients of the offence and consequently found the defendants guilty as charged.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Senator Aduda on Appointment as Senate Minority Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Senator Philip Aduda (PDP FCT) on his well-deserved emergence as the Minority Leader of the Senate.
Senator Aduda’s emergence as Minority Leader underscores the confidence our Party, his colleagues in the Senate and indeed Nigerians at large have in his long-standing legislative experience, competence and capacity as a lawmaker.
The PDP trust in Senator Aduda’s capacity to lead our fold in the Senate and charges him to use the attributes that earned him this enviable position to strengthen his commitment as a strong voice for the independence of the legislature, the democratic tenets of the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the interest and wellbeing of the people.
Senator Aduda’s selection as the Minority Leader of the Senate could not have come at a better time than this when Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to salvage our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP urges Senator Aduda to put in all his effort to ensure that our Party’s Caucus in the National Assembly remains united and focused for the task ahead.
Our Party wishes Senator Aduda success as he leads our Caucus in the Senate.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Credit Card Fraud: UK Ex-convict Bags Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos of one Ahmed Soetan Adebola, a United Kingdom ex-convict for credit card fraud to one year imprisonment.
The EFCC had on June 3, 2022, arraigned the convict on a one-count amended charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence contrary to Section 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The charge reads thus: “Ahmed Soetan Adebola sometime between the 23rd day of October 2020 and 4th November 2020 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud, checked into RADISSON BLU Anchorage Hotel for the sum of N4,449,633.12 with the understanding that your payment will be made using an American Express card with pretence you knew was false.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge.
The prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, had led in evidence, his witness, an operative of the EFCC, Godwin Okara, who gave a review of the facts against the defendant, detailing how the EFCC received a petition from RADISSON BLU hotel in Lagos, sometime in December 2020, alleging that the defendant who had lodged in their facility, “off and on”, made payments through credit cards, American Express in favour of the hotel and that “the payments were recalled by the unified payment system”.
The trial judge had at the last sitting on June 3, 2022 fixed July 1, 2022 for judgement.
Delivering judgement, Justice Dada declared the victim guilty as charged.
Justice Dada further ruled that: “The defendant is hereby sentenced to one year in prison.
“All the items recovered from him is hereby ordered forfeited to the Federal Government and he must sign an undertaking with the EFCC never to go back to the same crime again.”
He was however, given an option of fine of N2million, and ordered to restitute the money he was alleged to have defrauded the hotel, within four months.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Godwin Obaseki on Birthday
…Says He is an Excellent Administrator, Fearless Democrat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, as he marks his 65th birthday.
Governor Obaseki is a very courageous leader, visionary administrator and one of the contemporary leading lights of our nation, who remains steadfast in his commitment toward national unity, stability and economic development.
Over the years, Governor Obaseki has distinguished himself as a practical, ingenious and prudent manager of resources, which qualities he has employed to transform Edo State with unparalleled human capital and infrastructural development in critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, oil and gas, housing, transportation among others.
Our Party notes with pride, Governor Obaseki’s landmark development projects including the Modular Refinery Project, the Gelegele Seaport Project, the Benin Industrial Park, a viable health and education system, job creation initiatives as well as the massive economic repositioning through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).
The PDP appreciates Governor Obaseki’s untiring roles with other leaders towards the stability, growth and success of our great Party, particularly in the mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP congratulates Governor Obaseki on this auspicious occasion and prays God to bless and grant him many more years in good health in the service of our dear fatherland and humanity at large.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Fake America Military Officer, One Other Jailed For Cybercrime in Ilorin
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Friday July 1, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Adesanya Adeolu Tosin, a 300-Level Student of Federal University, Lokoja to one-year imprisonment for posing as America Military Officer to defraud his unsuspecting victims.
Adesanya was convicted alongside one Usman Abubakar from Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned the duo on separate charges bordering on cybercrime and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following his guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Sesan Ola who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, phones, drafts which they brought as restitution to their victims and fraudulent messages printed from his devices, which were admitted in evidence.
They urged the Court to convict the defendants in line with their pleas.
Justice Sani in his judgment said from the totality of evidence brought by the prosecution, the court was convinced that the EFCC has proved its cases beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted the defendants as charged.
The judge sentenced Adesanya to one-year imprisonment with option of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The court also ordered that one iPhone 12 Pro Max which he used to perpetrate the crime and a draft of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only) which he raised as restitution to his victims, be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Sani imposed a jail term of three years on Usman with option of N479,290.00 (Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira Only) fine. In addition, the convict is to forfeit his iPhone X 5 and Samsung s8 which he used to perpetrate the crime and also restitute the sum of N279,290.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira ) to his victim.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
THANKS FOR ACCOMMODATING NIGERIANS AND THOSE FLEEING THE WAR IN UKRAINE, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS MAYOR OF LISBON
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon and City Council Members, expressing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them for accommodating Nigerians as well as those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The President also used the occasion to congratulate him and his party on their electoral victory and his emergence as the Mayor of Lisbon.
The Nigerian leader thanked Fernando Medina for graciously receiving the Nigerian delegation in the ‘beautiful and historic coastal city of Lisbon,’ commending the excellent manner the city is administered, as a prime global tourist destination.
‘‘The city of Lisbon shares a number of similarities with some Nigerian cities such as Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, whose name was given by the Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira, who visited in 1472, naming the area around the city, Lago de Curamo, which means Lake of Curamo.
‘‘Both cities are rich in history and are also commercial nerve centres that host multinational corporations, industries, and major seaports. We are optimistic that these shared features can be harnessed to promote increased trade and people-to-people contact for the benefit of our two countries.
‘‘Nigeria, like Portugal, has many unique, historic, and cultural assets, as well as a developing hospitality industry, which both countries can exploit to promote tourism.
‘‘We are also keen to establish a direct air link between our two countries to further stimulate tourism, people-to-people contact and social, sporting and cultural relations,’’ he said.
President Buhari highlighted that Nigeria has made great strides in diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, recording successes in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructural development, among others.
He, therefore, invited prospective investors to Nigeria as the next top investment destination, saying ‘‘we are ready to extend our bilateral trade beyond oil and gas.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, extolled Nigeria’s greatness, especially in her ability to turn diversity into greatness: “We have one thing in common. We believe diversity is key. Nigeria is a great nation. Former President Obama said that about you, that you strive to overcome division and turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength, so you are able to build the largest economy in Africa. I so much agree with that.”
“Diversity is a matter of innovation and that’s why we both have excellent innovation ecosystems. You have just opened one of the biggest Urea plants, I think the second in the world and the largest fertilizer centre in Africa making your country self-sufficient.”
“You have produced five out of the seven unicorns, the big companies in Africa. You have one of the biggest projects on biometrics identification that has helped the banking system with relevant contributions for some Portuguese companies. So we want to work with you and your innovators. We need you. We need the African continent. We need to work with you peer to peer.”
He informed the Nigerian leader of his plan for Portugal to launch a “Unicorn Factory” in Lisbon and his desire to “have those African, Nigerian unicorns with us. Young people that could work with Portuguese people. That will be very important for Lisbon.”
The Mayor, while presenting the keys of the City of Lisbon to President Buhari, emphasized the cultural, historical, political and diplomatic ties between Lisbon and Abuja, describing the keys as “a token of respect and appreciation.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Court Jails Fake Pastor One Year in Uyo
Justice Gabriel F. Ette of the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has convicted and sentenced a self-acclaimed pastor, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine for fraudulent conversion of funds.
He was jailed on Tuesday, June 28, 2021 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on fraudulent conversion of funds.
The charge reads: “That you, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine “M” on 25th February, 2022 at Uyo within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently convert to your own use the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-five Naira) only belonging to one Joy Anietie Obot and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 392 (1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State CAP 38 and punishable under Section 399 of the same law”
In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Enobong Ubokudom, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However, defence counsel, Godwin Udoh prayed the court for leniency on the grounds that his client was a first- time offender.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ette convicted Divine and sentenced him to one year jail term. The court also ordered the convict to restitute the sum of N452, 625. 00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira) to the victim, through the EFCC, having earlier refunded the sum of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) to the victim.
Divine’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Akwa Ibom State Command, for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira) from one Joy Anietie Obot , whom he met at the NIS office in Uyo on Friday February 25, 2022 and handed over to the EFCC . The convict obtained the said sum from her under a pretence that he would help her purchase PayPal funds He neither purchased the funds nor returned the money to the petitioner.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
REGIONAL SECURITY: PRESIDENT BUHARI THANKS PORTUGAL FOR SUPPORT
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night expressed appreciation to Portugal for the deployment of weapons and training of military personnel in ensuring peace in the sub-region.
Speaking at a State Dinner in National Palace Ajuda, Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, the President commended President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for deploying troops for peacekeeping in the Central African Republic, monitoring political developments and providing assistance to some countries in Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
President Buhari said at the dinner attended by the President of the Portuguese National Assembly, Augusto Santos Silva, and Prime Minister Antonio Costa that the Nigerian Government has made it a priority to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, the ECOWAS, and the Sahel.
He added that this would not have been successful without our regional as well as global partners.
‘‘The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-eastern part of Nigeria is being tackled through the efforts of government, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) of member countries,’’ he said.
President Buhari expressed optimism that his State Visit would further strengthen the goodwill and collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is one of the main priorities of the visit, would further promote the full realisation of the objectives of bilateral relations, achieving concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of citizens of the two countries.
‘‘Today, Portugal imports about 60 percent of its gas from Nigeria which makes it our second-largest market in Europe.
‘‘There is still more that can be achieved between the two countries, especially with the current Russia-Ukraine war which has disrupted steady gas supplies to Europe.
‘‘Furthermore, Nigeria wants to see trade diversified to non-oil products such as agriculture, power projects, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals where a lot could be achieved,’’ he said.
The President emphasized the need to revive the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalize all pending bilateral agreements so as to boost economic activities and movement of people between the two countries.
President Buhari described Nigeria as one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Africa, adding that his Government is prioritizing building a business-friendly environment.
‘‘Nigeria is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) – the largest free trade area in the world. With a population of over 200 million mainly young men and women, Nigeria is a natural and attractive hub for foreign investment and one-stop market access to over 50 countries.’’
The Nigerian leader welcomed the Business Forum organized during the visit and the signing of many Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.
He described the signing of the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
President Buhari also commended his Portuguese counterpart for extending his country’s engagement with Africa and African issues beyond Lusophone countries.
‘‘In that context, I wish to remind us that in addition to giving our former capital, Lagos, its name, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in what later became Nigeria, even before the British.
‘‘During that time, the Benin Kingdom had diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Portugal. The bodyguards of the Oba of Benin were sent from Portugal.
‘‘Today, there are streets in some states in Nigeria that still bear Portuguese names. This shows a strong bond that has endured a long time between our two countries,’’ President Buhari said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Five Car Dealers Bag 25 Years Jail Term in Sokoto
Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Sokoto has convicted and sentenced five car dealers in Sokoto for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as regards the rendition of reports to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML.
The convicts: Aliyu Dauda; Shehu Ahmad; Tukur Shehu , Shehu Mariga and Ummaru Yabo were convicted on Thursday, June 30, 2022 after pleading guilty to separate one –count charges upon their arraignment by the Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Shehu Ahmad, while being the owner of Ijabah Motors located at Jega Road and operating the business of sales of vehicles, sometime between 2019 and 2021 at Sokoto, within the Sokoto Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did in contravention of Section 3,5(1),(2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended in 2012, fails to submit a declaration of your activities to wit: requirements of Customer Identification and the submission of returns on transaction to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5(1) to (5) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 5(6) (a) and (b) of the same Act”.
Based on their pleas, EFCC Counsel, S.H Sa’ad, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho convicted the five car dealers and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N125,000.00 each. The Judge further ordered them to comply with SCUML regulations henceforth.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the Sokoto Zonal Command of the EFCC, for their non-compliance with SCUML’s requirements. They were arraigned on May 11, 2022 and pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them. The court later convicted and sentenced them accordingly.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF IDOMA KINGDOM ON INVESTITURE OF 5TH OCH’IDOMA, DR JAMES ELAIGWU ODOGBO
President Muhammadu Buhari joins sons and daughters of Idoma Kingdom, Benue State, in celebrating the investiture of the 5th Och’Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo, whose academic, work and leadership credentials hold promise for his people.
President Buhari notes the zeal and diligence of Dr Odogbo in seeking knowledge and sharing his wisdom, working for more than two decades with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, during which he earned a doctorate in accounting and taxation, and trained many staff.
The President believes the national and international exposure and network of the traditional ruler over many years sets a new standard for the domain, creating a good setting for progress through the marriage of the traditional and the modern, by placing the people first.
As a public servant, educator and Christian religious leader, President Buhari affirms that Dr Odogbo’s wealth of experience will play out in guiding citizens on the path of peace, prosperity and development in the state and beyond, considering the steadily rising influence and impact of the Idomas in nation building, especially in leadership positions.
The President prays for the wellbeing of the Idoma nation, and most importantly, good health and wisdom for the Paramount Ruler.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
CDWR Backs Ogun workers’ Strike
CDWR Calls on Gov. Dapo Abiodun to meet the demands of workers without further delay
CDWR calls on TUC, NLC and other civil society organizations to declare a 48-hour warning strike nationwide in support of workers’ demands across the states and across sectors.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Ogun State Chapter backs the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the public sector workers and condemns in strong terms, the recalcitrant and insensitive response of the Dapo Abiodun-led APC government towards workers’ plights and demands. We, therefore, call on the government to immediately accede to workers’ demands without further delay.
The CDWR recalled that the state public sector workers issued a seven days ultimatum on June 21, 2022, to the government, after several failed attempts by the negotiating teams led by the state leaderships of TUC and NLC to reach a satisfactory resolution with the government. This was after the Dapo Abiodun government consistently refused to implement the MOU he voluntarily signed with the workers!
The demands of workers among others are remittance of 21 months of salary deductions; implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme; payment of eight years of leave allowances; restoration of payment of gross salary and the implementation of Consequential Adjustment on Minimum Pension.
Rather than meet the workers’ demands expeditiously, the government has been displaying sheer arrogance and insensitivity, hence, workers have to embark on indefinite strike action at a workers’ congress held in Abeokuta on 27 June 2022.
This has again shown the disdain and anti-workers disposition of the Dapo Abiodun government, despite its hypocrisy! The Dapo Abiodun-led APC government since its inception, has continued to unleash attacks on the poor working masses of Ogun state, implementing anti-poor, neo-liberal policies of privatization of public utilities, contract system, commercialization, Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) among others.
These anti-poor policies are responsible for the state of bad roads; the poor working masses burdened with all forms of levies and taxes, education is underfunded; quality and affordable public healthcare largely absent; affordable housing a mirage; denial of workers their benefits! All of these have worsened the living and working conditions of the masses.
The CDWR, therefore, urges the workers to maintain their steadfastness till their demands are met. And also to include in the demands, the need for the government to end privatization and other neo-liberal attacks on the working masses, including paying over 80 (eighty) months salary deductions of TASCE workers, and the immediate reinstatement of all unjustly sacked workers, and the discontinuation of all trumped-up charges on some workers in the institution currently been prosecuted at the law court by the state government.
CDWR calls on the TUC and NLC leadership, not to make the strike exclusively a sit-at-home. But rather, to organize public programs around it, like press conferences, symposia, rallies, protest marches, picketing, and leafleting, so as to gain mass support and sympathy for the workers’ demands, and prevent the government’s blackmail, harassment and distortion, which could discredit the workers and their demands.
We also call on the national leadership of the TUC, NLC and the civil society organizations to declare and mobilize for a 48-hour warning strike in support of Ogun workers’ demands; payment of the new national minimum wage owed workers by some state governments, who have defaulted implementation years after it has been signed into law; ASUU demands, insecurity; high cost of living; raising inflation; fuel scarcity and high electricity tariff etc.
Above all, to resolve these issues permanently, the CDWR calls on trade union leaders and civil society allies to commence the process of the formation of a genuine mass working people political party on socialist programmes of nationalization of the commanding heights of the economy under the democratic management and control of working people.
SIGNED
Eko John Nicholas
Ogun State CDWR Coordinator
Employment Scam: Abuja Court Sends Self-styled SA to EFCC Chairman to Prison
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on June 30, 2022, secured the conviction of one Obochi Simeon Iwodi before Justice A.O. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on a one count charge bordering on cheating by impersonation.
While posing as Special Adviser to the EFCC Chairman, the defendant induced some job seekers to pay various sums to him on the pretext that he would help facilitate their employment into the EFCC.
The count reads, “that you, Obochi Simeon Iwodi, between August 2020 and August 2021 within the Judicial Division of the Federal Territory High Court, Abuja did cheat by pretending to be the Special Adviser (SA) to Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC carried out an illegal act by inducing one Abah Job Ebute and others to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N1,800,000 (One Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) under the guise that you are capable of giving them employment in EFCC, a fact you know to be false and you thereby committed an offence of Cheating by Personation contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law”.
He pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his guilty plea, Justice Musa sentenced Iwodi, who had restituted his victims in full, to one year in prison with an option of N700, 000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Cybercrime: Oyo Court Jails Two
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 30, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of the duo of Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate one count charge which bordered on impersonation.
The defendants were arraigned on Monday, June 27, 2022, and they pleaded guilty to the charges filed against them by the EFCC.
The prosecution counsel reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered documents in evidence before urging the court to convict and sentence them as charged.
Consequently, Justice Agomoh convicted the duo and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2022 for sentencing.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Agomoh sentenced Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola to four and six months imprisonment respectively.
The court further ordered that the convicts restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
The charge against Alani reads: “That you, Alani Ridwan Kalejaye sometime in September, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Anna Thomas, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”
The charge against Ishola reads: “That you, Ishola Abdullahi Ademola sometime in December, 2021, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Kimberly Sandra, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)Act, 2015.”
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Shun Cybercrime, Bawa Charges NYSC Members
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has charged Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime and other forms of criminality. Bawa stated this today, June 30, 2022 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Okada Town, Edo State while delivering a lecture on the Role of Youths in Curbing Cybercrime.
Bawa, who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head, Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Command, stated that the youths were critical in the fight against economic and financial crimes. “Apart from the fact that they are considered as leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cyber crimes are committed by young people. It therefore follows that young people must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign, rather they should be foot soldiers leading the mass rout of corruption and economic crimes out of our land”.
The EFCC boss urged the youths to embrace hard work as there is no shortcut to wealth and fame. “Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately they lead to misery”.
At the NYSC camp at Iyana Ipaja, the EFCC chairman who was represented by Ayo Oyewole, Head, PAD, Lagos Command reiterated the together-against-corruption call and urged Nigerian youths to lend a hand in building a society where there is respect for law and order and where impunity is a thing of the past.
He described the youth as catalysts in the fight against corruption and urged them to become whistleblowers wherever they find themselves by reporting acts that fail the simple test of integrity.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ise/Emure/Oru, Ekiti State, Gbenga Adewoye of the Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command, who delivered the Chairman’s message charged the corps members to take ownership of the fight against graft. “The Commission cannot do it alone, I beseech you all this morning to take ownership of the fight against corruption and contribute your quota for the betterment of this country,” he said
Speaking at the NYSC Camp at Kiama, Bayelsa State, the EFCC boss who was represented by Bako Aliyu Doma, Head, Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section, FEMS tasked the corps members to be anti-graft agents by enlisting as foot soldiers in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country.
“Be role models in your respective areas of primary assignments. Join EFCC/NYSC Community Development Service, CD Groups for more enduring and robust engagement.”
In a similar message delivered by Bassey Prince Effiong, Head, Cyber Crimes Section at NYSC Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State, he warned the corps members to shun internet fraud as it was capable of truncating their future.
At the Orientation Camp at Nonwa-gbam, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, Akpos Ekisowei, Head, PAD, Port Harcourt Zonal Command called on the corps members to embrace hard work and shun inordinate ambition.
The same message was simultaneously delivered by Adeniran Adebayo, Head, PAD, Makudi at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wannune, Tarka LGA, Benue State just as Nana Fatima Abubakar of PAD delivered the message at the NYSC Orientation camp in Kaduna.
The duo of Chika Uneke and Mary Ogolekwu were at the NYSC Orientation camp at Issele Uku, Delta State and Ikare-Akoko Ondo State respectively to deliver the EFCC chairman’s message.
Some other officers were at various NYSC camps across the nation to deliver the Executive Chairman’s message of accountability, transparency, probity and integrity to thousands of corps members.
Media & Publicity
30 June, 2022
The Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has appointed two new directors, Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya to the company’s directorate.
The appointments according to a statement released on Thursday, 30th June 2022 by Mrs. Cecilia Madueke, Julius Berger’s Company Secretary, were made in a Board of Directors Meeting held on the 15th of June, 2022.
Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya will serve on the company’s Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors with effect from July 1, 2022.
The two new Non-Executive Directors will further bolster the company’s formidable directorate with their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR is a graduate of the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003 and served on various House Committees. He also has had a very distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service where he served as Ambassador to different countries, including the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Pakistan.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR had served on the Boards of State and Federal parastatals. He chairs the board of Ripen Marine Contractor Ltd and sits on the boards of Daberam Ventures Limited, Atlantic Consortium Ltd, Ferens Nigeria Ltd, and Kaira Investment Ltd. He is conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura has been notified of his new appointment as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Mr. Chidi Anya is a graduate of the University of Nigeria and holds a Master of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) of the University of Lagos. He has also attended various executive management courses at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and is recognized as a Notary Public.
Mr. Chidi Anya is the Founding Partner of The Channings Law Firm. He had previously served on the Board of FBN Holding Plc. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and a Member of the Institute of Directors. He has now been appointed to the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director and is duly notified.
Julius Berger is Nigeria’s leading construction company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects.
NIGERIA, PORTUGAL SIGN SEVERAL MOUs IN DIVERSE SECTORS
Nigeria and Portugal on Friday in Lisbon signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in different sectors.
The signing ceremony was done by cabinet level officials from the two countries as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s State Visit to the European Union country.
President Buhari and the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MoUs signed include Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training, Research and the Exchange of Information and Documentation; Cooperation in the Field of Culture; and Cooperation in the Field of Women and Girls Development, Empowerment and Gender Affairs; Youth; and Sports.
At a business forum organised during the visit, at which some of the MoUs were finalised between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce, President Buhari had described the progress in signing the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
A Court Jails Senator Nwaoboshi 7 Years for Money Laundering
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday, July 1, 2022 convicted and sentenced Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, to 7 years imprisonment along with his two companies: Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd
In addition, the Court of Appeal ordered that the companies who were the 2nd and 3rd respondents in appeal be wound up in line with Section 22 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and their properties forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria
The panel, comprising Justices Abdullahi Bayero, Obande Ogbuniya and Peter Affen in their judgment held that the trial court erred because the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the respondents and thus reverse the earlier judgement discharging and acquitting the respondents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had challenged the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court which on June 18, 2021 discharged and acquitted the defendants of a two count charge of fraud and money laundering.
EFCC had arraigned the three defendants over the acquisition of a property named Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million. Part of the money paid to the vendor, precisely a sum of N322 million transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd was alleged to be part of proceeds of fraud.
But in his judgment, Justice Aneke held that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses and tender concrete evidence to prove the elements of the offences for which it charged the defendants.
Justice Aneke said the evidence of PW2 “proved that the third defendant obtained a loan of N1.2 billion from Zenith Bank for purchase of additional equipment and as provision of working capital.
“It also proved that the loan of N1.2 billion together with interest of N24 million was properly granted to the third. Nothing else was proved by the complainant or prosecutor in this case,” the judge said.
He claimed a fatal blow was dealt the case of the prosecution by its failure to call officials of Sterling Bank “to testify and probably tender exhibits F and F10”.
Consequently, he discharged and acquitted the defendants.
However ruling on the EFCC’s appeal today, the Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred in dismissing the charges against the respondents. It said the prosecution had proved the ingredients of the offence and consequently found the defendants guilty as charged.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Senator Aduda on Appointment as Senate Minority Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Senator Philip Aduda (PDP FCT) on his well-deserved emergence as the Minority Leader of the Senate.
Senator Aduda’s emergence as Minority Leader underscores the confidence our Party, his colleagues in the Senate and indeed Nigerians at large have in his long-standing legislative experience, competence and capacity as a lawmaker.
The PDP trust in Senator Aduda’s capacity to lead our fold in the Senate and charges him to use the attributes that earned him this enviable position to strengthen his commitment as a strong voice for the independence of the legislature, the democratic tenets of the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the interest and wellbeing of the people.
Senator Aduda’s selection as the Minority Leader of the Senate could not have come at a better time than this when Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to salvage our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP urges Senator Aduda to put in all his effort to ensure that our Party’s Caucus in the National Assembly remains united and focused for the task ahead.
Our Party wishes Senator Aduda success as he leads our Caucus in the Senate.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Credit Card Fraud: UK Ex-convict Bags Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos of one Ahmed Soetan Adebola, a United Kingdom ex-convict for credit card fraud to one year imprisonment.
The EFCC had on June 3, 2022, arraigned the convict on a one-count amended charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence contrary to Section 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The charge reads thus: “Ahmed Soetan Adebola sometime between the 23rd day of October 2020 and 4th November 2020 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud, checked into RADISSON BLU Anchorage Hotel for the sum of N4,449,633.12 with the understanding that your payment will be made using an American Express card with pretence you knew was false.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge.
The prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, had led in evidence, his witness, an operative of the EFCC, Godwin Okara, who gave a review of the facts against the defendant, detailing how the EFCC received a petition from RADISSON BLU hotel in Lagos, sometime in December 2020, alleging that the defendant who had lodged in their facility, “off and on”, made payments through credit cards, American Express in favour of the hotel and that “the payments were recalled by the unified payment system”.
The trial judge had at the last sitting on June 3, 2022 fixed July 1, 2022 for judgement.
Delivering judgement, Justice Dada declared the victim guilty as charged.
Justice Dada further ruled that: “The defendant is hereby sentenced to one year in prison.
“All the items recovered from him is hereby ordered forfeited to the Federal Government and he must sign an undertaking with the EFCC never to go back to the same crime again.”
He was however, given an option of fine of N2million, and ordered to restitute the money he was alleged to have defrauded the hotel, within four months.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Godwin Obaseki on Birthday
…Says He is an Excellent Administrator, Fearless Democrat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, as he marks his 65th birthday.
Governor Obaseki is a very courageous leader, visionary administrator and one of the contemporary leading lights of our nation, who remains steadfast in his commitment toward national unity, stability and economic development.
Over the years, Governor Obaseki has distinguished himself as a practical, ingenious and prudent manager of resources, which qualities he has employed to transform Edo State with unparalleled human capital and infrastructural development in critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, oil and gas, housing, transportation among others.
Our Party notes with pride, Governor Obaseki’s landmark development projects including the Modular Refinery Project, the Gelegele Seaport Project, the Benin Industrial Park, a viable health and education system, job creation initiatives as well as the massive economic repositioning through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).
The PDP appreciates Governor Obaseki’s untiring roles with other leaders towards the stability, growth and success of our great Party, particularly in the mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP congratulates Governor Obaseki on this auspicious occasion and prays God to bless and grant him many more years in good health in the service of our dear fatherland and humanity at large.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Fake America Military Officer, One Other Jailed For Cybercrime in Ilorin
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Friday July 1, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Adesanya Adeolu Tosin, a 300-Level Student of Federal University, Lokoja to one-year imprisonment for posing as America Military Officer to defraud his unsuspecting victims.
Adesanya was convicted alongside one Usman Abubakar from Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned the duo on separate charges bordering on cybercrime and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following his guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Sesan Ola who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, phones, drafts which they brought as restitution to their victims and fraudulent messages printed from his devices, which were admitted in evidence.
They urged the Court to convict the defendants in line with their pleas.
Justice Sani in his judgment said from the totality of evidence brought by the prosecution, the court was convinced that the EFCC has proved its cases beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted the defendants as charged.
The judge sentenced Adesanya to one-year imprisonment with option of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The court also ordered that one iPhone 12 Pro Max which he used to perpetrate the crime and a draft of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only) which he raised as restitution to his victims, be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Sani imposed a jail term of three years on Usman with option of N479,290.00 (Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira Only) fine. In addition, the convict is to forfeit his iPhone X 5 and Samsung s8 which he used to perpetrate the crime and also restitute the sum of N279,290.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira ) to his victim.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
THANKS FOR ACCOMMODATING NIGERIANS AND THOSE FLEEING THE WAR IN UKRAINE, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS MAYOR OF LISBON
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon and City Council Members, expressing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them for accommodating Nigerians as well as those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The President also used the occasion to congratulate him and his party on their electoral victory and his emergence as the Mayor of Lisbon.
The Nigerian leader thanked Fernando Medina for graciously receiving the Nigerian delegation in the ‘beautiful and historic coastal city of Lisbon,’ commending the excellent manner the city is administered, as a prime global tourist destination.
‘‘The city of Lisbon shares a number of similarities with some Nigerian cities such as Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, whose name was given by the Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira, who visited in 1472, naming the area around the city, Lago de Curamo, which means Lake of Curamo.
‘‘Both cities are rich in history and are also commercial nerve centres that host multinational corporations, industries, and major seaports. We are optimistic that these shared features can be harnessed to promote increased trade and people-to-people contact for the benefit of our two countries.
‘‘Nigeria, like Portugal, has many unique, historic, and cultural assets, as well as a developing hospitality industry, which both countries can exploit to promote tourism.
‘‘We are also keen to establish a direct air link between our two countries to further stimulate tourism, people-to-people contact and social, sporting and cultural relations,’’ he said.
President Buhari highlighted that Nigeria has made great strides in diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, recording successes in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructural development, among others.
He, therefore, invited prospective investors to Nigeria as the next top investment destination, saying ‘‘we are ready to extend our bilateral trade beyond oil and gas.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, extolled Nigeria’s greatness, especially in her ability to turn diversity into greatness: “We have one thing in common. We believe diversity is key. Nigeria is a great nation. Former President Obama said that about you, that you strive to overcome division and turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength, so you are able to build the largest economy in Africa. I so much agree with that.”
“Diversity is a matter of innovation and that’s why we both have excellent innovation ecosystems. You have just opened one of the biggest Urea plants, I think the second in the world and the largest fertilizer centre in Africa making your country self-sufficient.”
“You have produced five out of the seven unicorns, the big companies in Africa. You have one of the biggest projects on biometrics identification that has helped the banking system with relevant contributions for some Portuguese companies. So we want to work with you and your innovators. We need you. We need the African continent. We need to work with you peer to peer.”
He informed the Nigerian leader of his plan for Portugal to launch a “Unicorn Factory” in Lisbon and his desire to “have those African, Nigerian unicorns with us. Young people that could work with Portuguese people. That will be very important for Lisbon.”
The Mayor, while presenting the keys of the City of Lisbon to President Buhari, emphasized the cultural, historical, political and diplomatic ties between Lisbon and Abuja, describing the keys as “a token of respect and appreciation.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Court Jails Fake Pastor One Year in Uyo
Justice Gabriel F. Ette of the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has convicted and sentenced a self-acclaimed pastor, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine for fraudulent conversion of funds.
He was jailed on Tuesday, June 28, 2021 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on fraudulent conversion of funds.
The charge reads: “That you, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine “M” on 25th February, 2022 at Uyo within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently convert to your own use the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-five Naira) only belonging to one Joy Anietie Obot and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 392 (1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State CAP 38 and punishable under Section 399 of the same law”
In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Enobong Ubokudom, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However, defence counsel, Godwin Udoh prayed the court for leniency on the grounds that his client was a first- time offender.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ette convicted Divine and sentenced him to one year jail term. The court also ordered the convict to restitute the sum of N452, 625. 00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira) to the victim, through the EFCC, having earlier refunded the sum of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) to the victim.
Divine’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Akwa Ibom State Command, for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira) from one Joy Anietie Obot , whom he met at the NIS office in Uyo on Friday February 25, 2022 and handed over to the EFCC . The convict obtained the said sum from her under a pretence that he would help her purchase PayPal funds He neither purchased the funds nor returned the money to the petitioner.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
REGIONAL SECURITY: PRESIDENT BUHARI THANKS PORTUGAL FOR SUPPORT
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night expressed appreciation to Portugal for the deployment of weapons and training of military personnel in ensuring peace in the sub-region.
Speaking at a State Dinner in National Palace Ajuda, Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, the President commended President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for deploying troops for peacekeeping in the Central African Republic, monitoring political developments and providing assistance to some countries in Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
President Buhari said at the dinner attended by the President of the Portuguese National Assembly, Augusto Santos Silva, and Prime Minister Antonio Costa that the Nigerian Government has made it a priority to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, the ECOWAS, and the Sahel.
He added that this would not have been successful without our regional as well as global partners.
‘‘The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-eastern part of Nigeria is being tackled through the efforts of government, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) of member countries,’’ he said.
President Buhari expressed optimism that his State Visit would further strengthen the goodwill and collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is one of the main priorities of the visit, would further promote the full realisation of the objectives of bilateral relations, achieving concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of citizens of the two countries.
‘‘Today, Portugal imports about 60 percent of its gas from Nigeria which makes it our second-largest market in Europe.
‘‘There is still more that can be achieved between the two countries, especially with the current Russia-Ukraine war which has disrupted steady gas supplies to Europe.
‘‘Furthermore, Nigeria wants to see trade diversified to non-oil products such as agriculture, power projects, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals where a lot could be achieved,’’ he said.
The President emphasized the need to revive the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalize all pending bilateral agreements so as to boost economic activities and movement of people between the two countries.
President Buhari described Nigeria as one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Africa, adding that his Government is prioritizing building a business-friendly environment.
‘‘Nigeria is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) – the largest free trade area in the world. With a population of over 200 million mainly young men and women, Nigeria is a natural and attractive hub for foreign investment and one-stop market access to over 50 countries.’’
The Nigerian leader welcomed the Business Forum organized during the visit and the signing of many Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.
He described the signing of the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
President Buhari also commended his Portuguese counterpart for extending his country’s engagement with Africa and African issues beyond Lusophone countries.
‘‘In that context, I wish to remind us that in addition to giving our former capital, Lagos, its name, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in what later became Nigeria, even before the British.
‘‘During that time, the Benin Kingdom had diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Portugal. The bodyguards of the Oba of Benin were sent from Portugal.
‘‘Today, there are streets in some states in Nigeria that still bear Portuguese names. This shows a strong bond that has endured a long time between our two countries,’’ President Buhari said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Five Car Dealers Bag 25 Years Jail Term in Sokoto
Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Sokoto has convicted and sentenced five car dealers in Sokoto for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as regards the rendition of reports to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML.
The convicts: Aliyu Dauda; Shehu Ahmad; Tukur Shehu , Shehu Mariga and Ummaru Yabo were convicted on Thursday, June 30, 2022 after pleading guilty to separate one –count charges upon their arraignment by the Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Shehu Ahmad, while being the owner of Ijabah Motors located at Jega Road and operating the business of sales of vehicles, sometime between 2019 and 2021 at Sokoto, within the Sokoto Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did in contravention of Section 3,5(1),(2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended in 2012, fails to submit a declaration of your activities to wit: requirements of Customer Identification and the submission of returns on transaction to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5(1) to (5) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 5(6) (a) and (b) of the same Act”.
Based on their pleas, EFCC Counsel, S.H Sa’ad, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho convicted the five car dealers and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N125,000.00 each. The Judge further ordered them to comply with SCUML regulations henceforth.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the Sokoto Zonal Command of the EFCC, for their non-compliance with SCUML’s requirements. They were arraigned on May 11, 2022 and pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them. The court later convicted and sentenced them accordingly.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF IDOMA KINGDOM ON INVESTITURE OF 5TH OCH’IDOMA, DR JAMES ELAIGWU ODOGBO
President Muhammadu Buhari joins sons and daughters of Idoma Kingdom, Benue State, in celebrating the investiture of the 5th Och’Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo, whose academic, work and leadership credentials hold promise for his people.
President Buhari notes the zeal and diligence of Dr Odogbo in seeking knowledge and sharing his wisdom, working for more than two decades with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, during which he earned a doctorate in accounting and taxation, and trained many staff.
The President believes the national and international exposure and network of the traditional ruler over many years sets a new standard for the domain, creating a good setting for progress through the marriage of the traditional and the modern, by placing the people first.
As a public servant, educator and Christian religious leader, President Buhari affirms that Dr Odogbo’s wealth of experience will play out in guiding citizens on the path of peace, prosperity and development in the state and beyond, considering the steadily rising influence and impact of the Idomas in nation building, especially in leadership positions.
The President prays for the wellbeing of the Idoma nation, and most importantly, good health and wisdom for the Paramount Ruler.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
CDWR Backs Ogun workers’ Strike
CDWR Calls on Gov. Dapo Abiodun to meet the demands of workers without further delay
CDWR calls on TUC, NLC and other civil society organizations to declare a 48-hour warning strike nationwide in support of workers’ demands across the states and across sectors.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Ogun State Chapter backs the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the public sector workers and condemns in strong terms, the recalcitrant and insensitive response of the Dapo Abiodun-led APC government towards workers’ plights and demands. We, therefore, call on the government to immediately accede to workers’ demands without further delay.
The CDWR recalled that the state public sector workers issued a seven days ultimatum on June 21, 2022, to the government, after several failed attempts by the negotiating teams led by the state leaderships of TUC and NLC to reach a satisfactory resolution with the government. This was after the Dapo Abiodun government consistently refused to implement the MOU he voluntarily signed with the workers!
The demands of workers among others are remittance of 21 months of salary deductions; implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme; payment of eight years of leave allowances; restoration of payment of gross salary and the implementation of Consequential Adjustment on Minimum Pension.
Rather than meet the workers’ demands expeditiously, the government has been displaying sheer arrogance and insensitivity, hence, workers have to embark on indefinite strike action at a workers’ congress held in Abeokuta on 27 June 2022.
This has again shown the disdain and anti-workers disposition of the Dapo Abiodun government, despite its hypocrisy! The Dapo Abiodun-led APC government since its inception, has continued to unleash attacks on the poor working masses of Ogun state, implementing anti-poor, neo-liberal policies of privatization of public utilities, contract system, commercialization, Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) among others.
These anti-poor policies are responsible for the state of bad roads; the poor working masses burdened with all forms of levies and taxes, education is underfunded; quality and affordable public healthcare largely absent; affordable housing a mirage; denial of workers their benefits! All of these have worsened the living and working conditions of the masses.
The CDWR, therefore, urges the workers to maintain their steadfastness till their demands are met. And also to include in the demands, the need for the government to end privatization and other neo-liberal attacks on the working masses, including paying over 80 (eighty) months salary deductions of TASCE workers, and the immediate reinstatement of all unjustly sacked workers, and the discontinuation of all trumped-up charges on some workers in the institution currently been prosecuted at the law court by the state government.
CDWR calls on the TUC and NLC leadership, not to make the strike exclusively a sit-at-home. But rather, to organize public programs around it, like press conferences, symposia, rallies, protest marches, picketing, and leafleting, so as to gain mass support and sympathy for the workers’ demands, and prevent the government’s blackmail, harassment and distortion, which could discredit the workers and their demands.
We also call on the national leadership of the TUC, NLC and the civil society organizations to declare and mobilize for a 48-hour warning strike in support of Ogun workers’ demands; payment of the new national minimum wage owed workers by some state governments, who have defaulted implementation years after it has been signed into law; ASUU demands, insecurity; high cost of living; raising inflation; fuel scarcity and high electricity tariff etc.
Above all, to resolve these issues permanently, the CDWR calls on trade union leaders and civil society allies to commence the process of the formation of a genuine mass working people political party on socialist programmes of nationalization of the commanding heights of the economy under the democratic management and control of working people.
SIGNED
Eko John Nicholas
Ogun State CDWR Coordinator
Employment Scam: Abuja Court Sends Self-styled SA to EFCC Chairman to Prison
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on June 30, 2022, secured the conviction of one Obochi Simeon Iwodi before Justice A.O. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on a one count charge bordering on cheating by impersonation.
While posing as Special Adviser to the EFCC Chairman, the defendant induced some job seekers to pay various sums to him on the pretext that he would help facilitate their employment into the EFCC.
The count reads, “that you, Obochi Simeon Iwodi, between August 2020 and August 2021 within the Judicial Division of the Federal Territory High Court, Abuja did cheat by pretending to be the Special Adviser (SA) to Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC carried out an illegal act by inducing one Abah Job Ebute and others to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N1,800,000 (One Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) under the guise that you are capable of giving them employment in EFCC, a fact you know to be false and you thereby committed an offence of Cheating by Personation contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law”.
He pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his guilty plea, Justice Musa sentenced Iwodi, who had restituted his victims in full, to one year in prison with an option of N700, 000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Cybercrime: Oyo Court Jails Two
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 30, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of the duo of Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate one count charge which bordered on impersonation.
The defendants were arraigned on Monday, June 27, 2022, and they pleaded guilty to the charges filed against them by the EFCC.
The prosecution counsel reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered documents in evidence before urging the court to convict and sentence them as charged.
Consequently, Justice Agomoh convicted the duo and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2022 for sentencing.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Agomoh sentenced Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola to four and six months imprisonment respectively.
The court further ordered that the convicts restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
The charge against Alani reads: “That you, Alani Ridwan Kalejaye sometime in September, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Anna Thomas, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”
The charge against Ishola reads: “That you, Ishola Abdullahi Ademola sometime in December, 2021, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Kimberly Sandra, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)Act, 2015.”
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Shun Cybercrime, Bawa Charges NYSC Members
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has charged Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime and other forms of criminality. Bawa stated this today, June 30, 2022 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Okada Town, Edo State while delivering a lecture on the Role of Youths in Curbing Cybercrime.
Bawa, who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head, Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Command, stated that the youths were critical in the fight against economic and financial crimes. “Apart from the fact that they are considered as leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cyber crimes are committed by young people. It therefore follows that young people must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign, rather they should be foot soldiers leading the mass rout of corruption and economic crimes out of our land”.
The EFCC boss urged the youths to embrace hard work as there is no shortcut to wealth and fame. “Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately they lead to misery”.
At the NYSC camp at Iyana Ipaja, the EFCC chairman who was represented by Ayo Oyewole, Head, PAD, Lagos Command reiterated the together-against-corruption call and urged Nigerian youths to lend a hand in building a society where there is respect for law and order and where impunity is a thing of the past.
He described the youth as catalysts in the fight against corruption and urged them to become whistleblowers wherever they find themselves by reporting acts that fail the simple test of integrity.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ise/Emure/Oru, Ekiti State, Gbenga Adewoye of the Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command, who delivered the Chairman’s message charged the corps members to take ownership of the fight against graft. “The Commission cannot do it alone, I beseech you all this morning to take ownership of the fight against corruption and contribute your quota for the betterment of this country,” he said
Speaking at the NYSC Camp at Kiama, Bayelsa State, the EFCC boss who was represented by Bako Aliyu Doma, Head, Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section, FEMS tasked the corps members to be anti-graft agents by enlisting as foot soldiers in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country.
“Be role models in your respective areas of primary assignments. Join EFCC/NYSC Community Development Service, CD Groups for more enduring and robust engagement.”
In a similar message delivered by Bassey Prince Effiong, Head, Cyber Crimes Section at NYSC Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State, he warned the corps members to shun internet fraud as it was capable of truncating their future.
At the Orientation Camp at Nonwa-gbam, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, Akpos Ekisowei, Head, PAD, Port Harcourt Zonal Command called on the corps members to embrace hard work and shun inordinate ambition.
The same message was simultaneously delivered by Adeniran Adebayo, Head, PAD, Makudi at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wannune, Tarka LGA, Benue State just as Nana Fatima Abubakar of PAD delivered the message at the NYSC Orientation camp in Kaduna.
The duo of Chika Uneke and Mary Ogolekwu were at the NYSC Orientation camp at Issele Uku, Delta State and Ikare-Akoko Ondo State respectively to deliver the EFCC chairman’s message.
Some other officers were at various NYSC camps across the nation to deliver the Executive Chairman’s message of accountability, transparency, probity and integrity to thousands of corps members.
Media & Publicity
30 June, 2022
CALL 08036977194
Are you interested in connecting with a larger prospect pool in an efficient way? Do you want us to generate press releases, feature articles, opinion articles and respond quickly to media enquiries? Do you want your photographs at important events to be published as photo stories by key international, national, state and community publications? Do you want your stories to be reflected in the electronic version of key publications?
We can do just about anything you can imagine, and do it all for an easily affordable price.
We would love to have the opportunity to show you what we can do and give you a quote.
Please get back to us and let us know if you’re interested and we can discuss the details.
EBIRERI HENRY OVIE
08036977194
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lisbon, Portugal, indicated that Nigeria is ready to fill the natural gas gaps in Europe predicated by the current Russian-Ukrainian war.
The President also said with over 200 million mainly young people, Nigeria is ready to be the hub of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
In his statement on areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal delivered at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon, President Buhari urged Portugal to consider Nigeria as a valued and trusted partner in Africa.
The Nigerian leader identified five key areas of cooperation and collaboration capable of moving both countries forward, saying:
‘‘At a time the world is going through turbulent times, we feel that a strong friendship and partnership between Nigeria and Portugal can act as a force for good.’’
He listed the areas of cooperation and collaboration as follows: oil and gas, tourism and hospitality industry, air travel, security and joint commission.
On oil and gas, President Buhari said with the current Russian-Ukraine war, increased cooperation in oil and gas between the two countries has become vital to avoid crisis in the demand and supply chain, even as Nigeria is already a major supplier of gas to Portugal.
On tourism and hospitality industry, President Buhari explained that Nigeria had huge potential in the sector and would like to benefit from the enormous expertise of his hosts in this area as shown in Portugal becoming a prime tourist destination.
On air travel, the President emphasized the need to sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and quickly establish a direct air link between the two countries.
He noted that cooperation between the two counties in this area is vital for increased trade and investment, tourism promotion, people-to-people contact as well as social and cultural engagement.
Affirming Nigeria’s renewed commitment towards the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad and the Sahel Region, the President told his Portuguese counterpart that Nigeria would welcome the support of the Portuguese Government through intelligence and information sharing, weapons and training of security personnel of member states.
President Buhari also stressed the need to establish a Joint Commission, saying:
‘‘We believe that the establishment of a Joint Commission will help to promote the full realization of the objectives of our bilateral relations.
‘‘The Commission would facilitate the institutionalization of cooperation mechanisms and permit the elaboration and implementation of concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of our people.’’
Furthermore, the President added that Nigeria and Portugal can cooperate closely on a range of agricultural and renewable energy projects.
‘‘Nigeria recognizes Portugal’s comparative advantages in the fields of renewable energy and pharmaceuticals which are also priority areas for Nigeria.
‘‘Other areas of cooperation which are of importance include; the Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘That is why we look forward to signing Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation Agreements in those areas,’’ he said.
Earlier at a ceremonial welcome at Praca do Imperio by the President of Portugal, President Buhari had laid a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes, the national poet, at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The Monastery of Jeronimos is one of the most decorative churches in Portugal. The body of the famous explorer, Vasco da Gama is interred in the lower chancel, just left of the entrance, opposite venerated 16th-century poet Luís Vaz de Camões, popularly perceived as Portugal’s Shakespeare.
From the upper choir, there’s a superb view of the church; the rows of seats are Portugal’s first Renaissance woodcarvings. The President’s State Visit officially started from here, received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa featuring an impressive military parade and a guided tour of the Monastery.
The Nigerian leader was also conferred with the Portuguese National Honour and decorated ‘Great Collar of the Order of Prince Henry.’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
Enugu State govt expresses deep concern over Sen. Ekweremadu’s ordeal in UK
…Prays for his family, accelerated healing of their daughter
…Appreciates FG, NASS, Nigerians for their solidarity, support
The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has expressed deep concern over the ordeal of the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, in the United Kingdom.
A statement by the Enugu State Government described Senator Ekweremadu as an illustrious son of the state and a foremost Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement disclosed that the government and the good people of Enugu State are saddened by the unpleasant news of arrest, arraignment and subsequent remand in custody of Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, in the United Kingdom.
It, therefore, conveyed the thoughts and prayers of Gov. Ugwuanyi and the people of the state to the entire family of Senator Ekweremadu “in this difficult time as we beseech the most merciful God to grant accelerated healing to Miss Sonia Ekweremadu”.
The state government extended its profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly for their empathy, support, solidarity and legal intervention.
It went further to appreciate the prayers of well-meaning Nigerians for early resolution of the issues.
PRESIDENT BUHARI: NIGERIA-PORTUGAL RELATIONS SET FOR NEW LEVELS, AS COUNTRIES READY TEN AGREEMENTS, MOUs FOR SIGNING
Nigeria and Portugal have expressed determination to take relations to a whole new level with concrete deliverables, emphasizing the need for stronger ties 46 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave the indication on Thursday in Lisbon, at a joint press conference with President Marcela Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.
The Nigerian leader told the press after a one-on-one meeting with his Portuguese counterpart and an enlarged meeting between delegations that in spite of the existing cordial relations between the two countries, there was a need for greater collaboration.
President Buhari, therefore, declared that as many as ten agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are being prepared for signing during his State visit to the European country.
These include:
‘‘The Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Air travel; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘The world is at a crossroads. The decisions we take as leaders could make or break the world as we know it.
‘‘We face existential challenges with climate change, food insecurity, conflict, health, and energy among others.
‘‘We look to Portugal as an influential country and partner to play an important role in helping to pull the world back from the brink.’’
President Buhari thanked the Portuguese leader for the role his government played during his tenure as President of the European Union, in securing EU and International Monetary Union financial support for Africa.
Highlighting that this year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Nigerian leader said:
‘‘We are delighted that we can count Portugal as a valued and reliable friend and partner.
‘‘We share the same democratic values and look to increase and broaden cooperation in various fields at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’
The President added that there will be a Nigeria-Portugal Business and Investment Forum with the participation of over 80 representatives from Nigerian public and private sector companies, agencies and organizations.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI SEEKS INCREASE IN TRADE DIVERSIFICATION WITH PORTUGAL, SAYS FOUNDATION LAID FOR FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC COOPERATION FOR NEXT 500 YEARS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lisbon called for an increase in the volume of trade with Portugal as well as diversification to non-oil products.
The President spoke at an Economic Seminar between Nigeria and Portugal businesses during a State Visit to Portugal.
He noted that the two countries are in dire need of new investment opportunities following the devastation on global economies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and, in recent times, the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict.
‘‘The relationship between modern Nigeria and Portugal started over 40 years ago with strong collaborations on the diplomatic and defence fronts.
‘‘I was very excited to learn of the increased level of enthusiasm Portuguese businesses have shown towards Nigeria.
‘‘In the past 25 years, trade between Nigeria and Portugal has more than doubled to over $1 billion by 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘This has been mostly in the oil and gas sector. Although this is great progress, I strongly believe we can and should do a lot more,’’ he said.
Assuring the Portuguese government of Nigeria’s support to Portuguese companies wishing to invest in the country, the President said:
‘‘The Portuguese were the first European voyagers on record to visit the shores of Nigeria in the late fifteenth century. And just like how African culture is influential in modern Portugal, the Portuguese culture is also felt in today’s Nigeria.’’
He announced that recently, the Government of Nigeria awarded a contract to Mota-Engil, a Portuguese company, to construct a railway line that connects Kano in Northern Nigeria to Maradi in Southern Niger Republic.
He added this partnership will surely open doors for more Portuguese companies to come to Nigeria, as the largest and most populous economy in Africa.
‘‘Just two months ago, Portugal opened its first North Africa Trade Chamber. This will complement the Chamber in South Africa.
‘‘I am confident after your interactions today on the tremendous potential in Nigeria, we will soon be hearing an announcement on the opening of the Nigeria Portugal Trade Chamber.’’
Recounting that in 2021, the African Export-Import Bank and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs announced a 3-year partnership to promote Africa’s fashion apparel and textile manufacturing industry, the Nigerian leader said:
‘‘I strongly believe this will benefit Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry.’’
President Buhari also used the occasion to apprise prospective investors of the many fiscal, trade and monetary incentives that support foreign investments.
‘‘The Nigerian Government officials in this room are on standby to provide all the necessary information you need.
‘‘I have already directed the establishment of a dedicated Portugal working group headed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to address any special concerns you may have above and beyond the existing policies in place.
‘‘I want to assure you that we will take these requests seriously and our response will be swift.’’
On his expectations for the forum, the President expressed confidence that it was an appropriate platform to establish and strengthen business relationships, share valuable experience, and collaborate for both countries’ mutual benefit.
‘‘Nigeria and Portugal share long historical ties. The relationship between our two countries brought with it trade partnerships, an area that we wish to build upon today,’’ he said.
President Buhari thanked President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, who was present at the Seminar, for his contribution, interest and trust in forging formidable economic cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal.
‘‘As I mentioned earlier our two countries have a long, shared history and we now have the power to ensure the next 500 years is built on mutual prosperity, sustainability and greatness,’’ he said.
In his response, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told President Buhari that Portugal can help Nigeria diversify the economy.
“Because we are a very small country, we have huge experience. We have experience in water supply, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, tourism, Agriculture, Science, Health care, Trade, the sea and we want to cooperate with you. We have experienced companies, experienced hands. We have a unique knowledge of Africa,” he said.
On the visit, the Portuguese President said, “Your visit is a new beginning, A new beginning of every sector. We don’t want 30 or 100 companies, we want thousands of companies in Nigeria, we want thousands of Portuguese in Nigeria and that will be your legacy, my legacy, the legacy of this state visit. I’ll be going to Nigeria later on and together we shall see with our own eyes what the outcome of this visit is. This is not a visit of words but a visit of facts and achievements. We will achieve.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity
June 30, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI RE-APPOINTS PATIENCE ONIHA AS DG, DMO
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renewal of the appointment of Patience Oniha as the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO) for a second term of 5 years in accordance to Section IV (9-i) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment ETC) Act, 2003.
The renewal takes effect from July 1, 2022.
Her appointment for a second term was based on the significant achievements recorded by the DMO in the last 5 years, under her leadership.
Amongst the achievements are the introduction of Sukuk and Green Bonds to finance the development of infrastructure where there is a huge gap.
Under her watch, as part of the initiatives to improve the sustainability of the public debt and opening up avenues for raising long term funds for corporates, the DMO introduced long term Bonds with tenors of 30 years in the domestic and international markets.
This is aside from attracting diverse investors including retail investors to the FGN Bond Market.
Internally, Oniha introduced reforms to strengthen the DMO, as a critical agency in the public finance ecosystem of the country.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
IN LISBON, PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS WEST AFRICA MUST RESUME THE PATH OF PROPER DEMOCRATIZATION
In continuation of his on-going State Visit to Portugal, President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday told the Portuguese Parliament Speaker that Nigeria will continue to seek consensus on the full resumption of democratic governance throughout the West African subregion.
Reacting to profuse commendations by President of the Portuguese Parliament, Augusto Santos Silva on the role Nigeria is playing under the present administration, stabilizing West Africa and Guinea Bissau in particular, President Buhari regretted that three countries in the subregion have slipped back to undemocratic, military rule saying that the former Portuguese colony was lucky to have survived those attempts.
While attributing some of these reversals to the process of development which the new nations will pass through, he said Nigeria will continue to work within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to reverse the unwanted situation, stressing that “we have to go back to proper democratization.”
On the failed attempt to topple the elected government of Guinea Bissau, President Buhari said in the process of national development, “we can’t do hop, start and jump,” meaning that there are no shortcuts, expressing strong confidence however that the problems will be overcome. “We will try to support him (meaning Oumarou Sissoco Embalo, the Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau).”
President Buhari said his visit to the parliament where he was honored with a ceremonial parade and a standing ovation inside the chamber by its 120 membership was an eye opener to things he had read in history books in his school days.
He described the growing trade and political relationship between the two countries as momentous, expressing hope “that this visit will put in place the firm foundations of a special relationship between our two countries, the national governments and the citizens of our two states.”
In an entry into the “Book of Honor” at the Parliament building, President Buhari said:
“My visit to the Portuguese National Assembly is to underscore the strong relationship between Nigeria and Portuguese Republic, focused on cooperation, respect for global inclusiveness, promotion of investment and trade and adherence to international rules and norms.
“The constraints of the past are behind us and the foundations of a bright, strong future are being put in place by our two governments. There is much to be done in the field of trade, energy, security and other areas.
“As democracies, our systems require parliamentary support for the sort of engagements we want to have in place between our two independent countries.
“So far, I am encouraged by the signals and responses to the historic and great partnership we envisage between our two great nations.”
The President of the Parliament, Augusto Silva expressed happiness with the visit of a Nigerian President 17 years after the last one, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s reliable supply of Liquefied Natural Gas, the continuing collaboration in the fight against terrorism in Africa, the patronage of a Portuguese company in the construction of the Kano-Maradi railway line and for the support of the Nigerian government for the elected government of Guinea Bissau.
He gave assurances of the continuing role of Portugal as bridge and ladder between Africa and Europe.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
RUSSIAN-UKRAINE WAR: PRESIDENT BUHARI STRESSES NEED FOR INCREASED COOPERATION IN OIL AND GAS, OTHERS WITH PORTUGAL
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lisbon, Portugal, indicated that Nigeria is ready to fill the natural gas gaps in Europe predicated by the current Russian-Ukrainian war.
The President also said with over 200 million mainly young people, Nigeria is ready to be the hub of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
In his statement on areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal delivered at the Presidential Palace in Lisbon, President Buhari urged Portugal to consider Nigeria as a valued and trusted partner in Africa.
The Nigerian leader identified five key areas of cooperation and collaboration capable of moving both countries forward, saying:
‘‘At a time the world is going through turbulent times, we feel that a strong friendship and partnership between Nigeria and Portugal can act as a force for good.’’
He listed the areas of cooperation and collaboration as follows: oil and gas, tourism and hospitality industry, air travel, security and joint commission.
On oil and gas, President Buhari said with the current Russian-Ukraine war, increased cooperation in oil and gas between the two countries has become vital to avoid crisis in the demand and supply chain, even as Nigeria is already a major supplier of gas to Portugal.
On tourism and hospitality industry, President Buhari explained that Nigeria had huge potential in the sector and would like to benefit from the enormous expertise of his hosts in this area as shown in Portugal becoming a prime tourist destination.
On air travel, the President emphasized the need to sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and quickly establish a direct air link between the two countries.
He noted that cooperation between the two counties in this area is vital for increased trade and investment, tourism promotion, people-to-people contact as well as social and cultural engagement.
Affirming Nigeria’s renewed commitment towards the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad and the Sahel Region, the President told his Portuguese counterpart that Nigeria would welcome the support of the Portuguese Government through intelligence and information sharing, weapons and training of security personnel of member states.
President Buhari also stressed the need to establish a Joint Commission, saying:
‘‘We believe that the establishment of a Joint Commission will help to promote the full realization of the objectives of our bilateral relations.
‘‘The Commission would facilitate the institutionalization of cooperation mechanisms and permit the elaboration and implementation of concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of our people.’’
Furthermore, the President added that Nigeria and Portugal can cooperate closely on a range of agricultural and renewable energy projects.
‘‘Nigeria recognizes Portugal’s comparative advantages in the fields of renewable energy and pharmaceuticals which are also priority areas for Nigeria.
‘‘Other areas of cooperation which are of importance include; the Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘That is why we look forward to signing Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation Agreements in those areas,’’ he said.
Earlier at a ceremonial welcome at Praca do Imperio by the President of Portugal, President Buhari had laid a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes, the national poet, at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The Monastery of Jeronimos is one of the most decorative churches in Portugal. The body of the famous explorer, Vasco da Gama is interred in the lower chancel, just left of the entrance, opposite venerated 16th-century poet Luís Vaz de Camões, popularly perceived as Portugal’s Shakespeare.
From the upper choir, there’s a superb view of the church; the rows of seats are Portugal’s first Renaissance woodcarvings. The President’s State Visit officially started from here, received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa featuring an impressive military parade and a guided tour of the Monastery.
The Nigerian leader was also conferred with the Portuguese National Honour and decorated ‘Great Collar of the Order of Prince Henry.’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI: NIGERIA-PORTUGAL RELATIONS SET FOR NEW LEVELS, AS COUNTRIES READY TEN AGREEMENTS, MOUs FOR SIGNING
Nigeria and Portugal have expressed determination to take relations to a whole new level with concrete deliverables, emphasizing the need for stronger ties 46 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave the indication on Thursday in Lisbon, at a joint press conference with President Marcela Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.
The Nigerian leader told the press after a one-on-one meeting with his Portuguese counterpart and an enlarged meeting between delegations that in spite of the existing cordial relations between the two countries, there was a need for greater collaboration.
President Buhari, therefore, declared that as many as ten agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are being prepared for signing during his State visit to the European country.
These include:
‘‘The Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Air travel; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘The world is at a crossroads. The decisions we take as leaders could make or break the world as we know it.
‘‘We face existential challenges with climate change, food insecurity, conflict, health, and energy among others.
‘‘We look to Portugal as an influential country and partner to play an important role in helping to pull the world back from the brink.’’
President Buhari thanked the Portuguese leader for the role his government played during his tenure as President of the European Union, in securing EU and International Monetary Union financial support for Africa.
Highlighting that this year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Nigerian leader said:
‘‘We are delighted that we can count Portugal as a valued and reliable friend and partner.
‘‘We share the same democratic values and look to increase and broaden cooperation in various fields at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’
The President added that there will be a Nigeria-Portugal Business and Investment Forum with the participation of over 80 representatives from Nigerian public and private sector companies, agencies and organizations.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: WE’RE COMMITTED TO PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES, COMPLETION OF ADIYAN II WATER PROJECT
Lagos State, Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday said the State Government is committed to protecting its water resources in order to make portable clean water available and accessible for Lagosians.
He said the goal of his administration to unlock a new wave of investments in Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, is primarily to delivering potable water and providing safely managed sanitation services for all Lagosians.
The Governor said his administration is currently at the final stage of completing the Adiyan II Water Project, which will be the second-largest water infrastructure in Lagos State.
He said Lagos State Government has committed huge resources to the water project.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the third edition of the Lagos International Water Conference, (LIWAC) 2022 held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The theme of the conference was “Unlocking Investments and Sustainable Access to Clean Water and Sanitation Services: The Regulatory Imperative.”
He said the Lagos State Government has acknowledged that financing the water sector has been a challenge and is therefore shopping for private sector investments, noting that currently, most of the financing for water and sanitation comes from public budget and donor financing, hence the Call-for-Action to the private sector to explore the huge opportunities that abound in the water supply and sanitation services sub-sector in Lagos, to deliver value while also enjoying commercial gains.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said now is the right time to unlock a new wave of investments in the WASH sector against the background of global disruptions in the water sector occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and intensifying impact of climate change.
He said: “Water is critical, not just for the sustenance of human life, but also for sustainable development. It is essential for all kinds of economic activities, such as agriculture, energy production, mining, manufacturing, and so on.
“We need to make clean and safe water available for our teeming population, and to ensure that even as that population grows there are strategies in place to ensure conservation in the long term. Our goal is primarily to deliver potable water and provide safely managed sanitation services for all Lagosians. We have the political will and a groundswell of support from critical stakeholders, and we welcome you to open up lines of engagement and conversation with us.
“For us in Lagos, we acknowledge that financing for the water sector has been a challenge. According to a World Bank study (2015), bridging the financing gap in Nigeria’s WASH sector will require an estimated USD1.3 billion per year over the next decade, with State-owned water utilities requiring about US$600 million in annual investment.
“Currently, most of the financing for water and sanitation comes from public budget and donor financing, hence this Call-for-Action to the private sector to explore the myriad of opportunities that abound in the water supply and sanitation services sub-sector in Lagos, to deliver value while also enjoying commercial gains.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
30 JUNE 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AS EU-NIGERIA FORUM OPENS IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday said the State Government will be relentless in pursuing initiatives that will seek to improve the ease of doing business; manifestly making the business environment more attractive for investors.
He said Lagos State will continue to view itself as a strategic national asset, carrying the responsibility for not just being an epicenter in times of national crises but also an economic springboard in leading Nigeria to a place of social and economic prosperity.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statements while declaring open, the Eighth EU-Nigeria Business Forum with the theme: Nigeria and the New Economy, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos on Thursday.
He said the impact of the decisions and recommendations made at the Eighth EU-Nigeria Business Forum can be measured in the sustained status of Nigeria as Europe’s major trading partner in Africa.
“Lagos State remains a key partner and ally of the European Union considering its status as a regional commercial, financial and industrial hub; as well as its strategic role in facilitating the goals and objectives of this forum. This should be strengthened as we approach Africa as one large free trade zone,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the proposed 30 years Lagos State Development Plan 2052, which will be officially rolled out at the forthcoming 9th Economic Summit of the State (known as Ehingbeti).
He said the developmental plans include making Lagos the largest West Africa wholesale hub; leveraging the Nigeria market demand as a base to become the export hub for FMCG manufacturing and export in West Africa as well as becoming West Africa’s main trade hub and regional gateway for transit and port services, while serving as a strategic ally in facilitating the goals and objectives of the EU-Nigeria Business forum.
The Governor while stressing the need for a continuous and healthy relationship between Lagos and the European Union commended captains of industries and investors for their commitments toward sustaining the European Union’s partnership with Lagos, and indeed, Nigeria as a nation.
“We recognise and appreciate the need for synergy between Government and industry in achieving our joint desired objective of deepening our trade and investment links and it is hoped that the deliberations at this forum will be robust and yield new ideas and initiatives that will guide our decision-making process for the desired outcomes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clement Agba, who shared the National Economic Plan and its numerous advantages with participants, said the Federal Government is currently developing a perspective plan tagged “Nigeria Agenda 2050” to sustain the Nigeria Vision 2020 and solicited the support of investors.
Agba said a diversified economy is necessary for sustainable development in various sectors to catalyse growth in Nigeria. He noted that various sectors of the economy need diversification to promote intelligence and engender sustainable development.
He said the EU-Nigeria Business Forum was designed to bring Nigeria and European nations together and further strengthen multilateral relationships between the two countries as the Federal Government creates enabling environment for all.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, said the EU remains Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, pegging the trade volume at 28.7 billion euros with a significant trade balance of over 6 billion in favour of Nigeria as of 2021.
She revealed that the European Union had been listening carefully to the concerns expressed by its partners around the world over the negative impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that the single most important measure to mitigate its adverse impacts is to end the war by Russia, while the way forward and the way out of the crisis has to be the sustainable development of a vibrant diversified economy, based on a business environment that is attractive to investors.
Isopi said the theme of the Eighth EU-Nigeria Business Forum, “Nigeria and the New Economy” is about finding a path through difficult terrain, identifying opportunities and offering a business-friendly approach.
She said European companies had a long history in Nigeria, hence the need to continue the conversation on promoting trade relations at the forum which would feature exhibition space.
The EU-Nigeria Business Forum established to provide a platform for European and Nigerian businesses to engage with policymakers with the aim of improving the business environment and addressing issues constituting barriers to the inflow of investments has no doubt helped in deepening trade relations between Nigerian and Europe.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
30 JUNE 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI SEEKS INCREASE IN TRADE DIVERSIFICATION WITH PORTUGAL, SAYS FOUNDATION LAID FOR FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC COOPERATION FOR NEXT 500 YEARS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lisbon called for an increase in the volume of trade with Portugal as well as diversification to non-oil products.
The President spoke at an Economic Seminar between Nigeria and Portugal businesses during a State Visit to Portugal.
He noted that the two countries are in dire need of new investment opportunities following the devastation on global economies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and, in recent times, the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict.
‘‘The relationship between modern Nigeria and Portugal started over 40 years ago with strong collaborations on the diplomatic and defence fronts.
‘‘I was very excited to learn of the increased level of enthusiasm Portuguese businesses have shown towards Nigeria.
‘‘In the past 25 years, trade between Nigeria and Portugal has more than doubled to over $1 billion by 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘This has been mostly in the oil and gas sector. Although this is great progress, I strongly believe we can and should do a lot more,’’ he said.
Assuring the Portuguese government of Nigeria’s support to Portuguese companies wishing to invest in the country, the President said:
‘‘The Portuguese were the first European voyagers on record to visit the shores of Nigeria in the late fifteenth century. And just like how African culture is influential in modern Portugal, the Portuguese culture is also felt in today’s Nigeria.’’
He announced that recently, the Government of Nigeria awarded a contract to Mota-Engil, a Portuguese company, to construct a railway line that connects Kano in Northern Nigeria to Maradi in Southern Niger Republic.
He added this partnership will surely open doors for more Portuguese companies to come to Nigeria, as the largest and most populous economy in Africa.
‘‘Just two months ago, Portugal opened its first North Africa Trade Chamber. This will complement the Chamber in South Africa.
‘‘I am confident after your interactions today on the tremendous potential in Nigeria, we will soon be hearing an announcement on the opening of the Nigeria Portugal Trade Chamber.’’
Recounting that in 2021, the African Export-Import Bank and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs announced a 3-year partnership to promote Africa’s fashion apparel and textile manufacturing industry, the Nigerian leader said:
‘‘I strongly believe this will benefit Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry.’’
President Buhari also used the occasion to apprise prospective investors of the many fiscal, trade and monetary incentives that support foreign investments.
‘‘The Nigerian Government officials in this room are on standby to provide all the necessary information you need.
‘‘I have already directed the establishment of a dedicated Portugal working group headed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to address any special concerns you may have above and beyond the existing policies in place.
‘‘I want to assure you that we will take these requests seriously and our response will be swift.’’
On his expectations for the forum, the President expressed confidence that it was an appropriate platform to establish and strengthen business relationships, share valuable experience, and collaborate for both countries’ mutual benefit.
‘‘Nigeria and Portugal share long historical ties. The relationship between our two countries brought with it trade partnerships, an area that we wish to build upon today,’’ he said.
President Buhari thanked President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, who was present at the Seminar, for his contribution, interest and trust in forging formidable economic cooperation between Nigeria and Portugal.
‘‘As I mentioned earlier our two countries have a long, shared history and we now have the power to ensure the next 500 years is built on mutual prosperity, sustainability and greatness,’’ he said.
In his response, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told President Buhari that Portugal can help Nigeria diversify the economy.
“Because we are a very small country, we have huge experience. We have experience in water supply, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, tourism, Agriculture, Science, Health care, Trade, the sea and we want to cooperate with you. We have experienced companies, experienced hands. We have a unique knowledge of Africa,” he said.
On the visit, the Portuguese President said, “Your visit is a new beginning, A new beginning of every sector. We don’t want 30 or 100 companies, we want thousands of companies in Nigeria, we want thousands of Portuguese in Nigeria and that will be your legacy, my legacy, the legacy of this state visit. I’ll be going to Nigeria later on and together we shall see with our own eyes what the outcome of this visit is. This is not a visit of words but a visit of facts and achievements. We will achieve.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity
June 30, 2022
IN PORTUGAL, PRESIDENT BUHARI REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL, CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night in Lisbon, Portugal gave assurances of a free hand to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, reiterating the commitment of his administration to ensure that the Commission (INEC) delivers peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible elections next year.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of Nigerians living in Portugal, the President said with the conclusion of the primaries of the political parties, all eyes are now on the 2023 elections in Nigeria.
‘‘We also look forward to a smooth transition to the next government. As I have said before, our Administration will not compromise on doing the right things and the welfare of Nigerians, home and abroad,’’ the President said.
Citing the last gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti State, the President noted that this administration has proven consistently its zero tolerance for interference in elections and insistence that Nigerians should be allowed to vote for the party and candidate of their choice.
The President also used the occasion to caution against the use of social media to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance, urging the Diaspora to always promote Nigeria’s unity.
‘‘The world is a global village and technology has shrunk the world even more. Although you reside beyond Nigeria’s boundaries you can engage easily with the country. In fact, we see the impact of that engagement clearly on social media.
‘‘This platform has empowered Nigerians in the diaspora and given you great influence. As we have seen, however, social media can be a force for good as well as a force for evil.
‘‘Many countries, including our own have had to take strong measures against some social media platforms to curb their excesses and prevent them from destabilizing our societies.
‘‘I, therefore, call upon you to use social media responsibly. We all want the best for our country and people, so let us strive to build, unite and prosper our nation and people and not to insult and incite from a safe and anonymous distance.’’
President Buhari expressed delight in the successful involvement of Diaspora in various fields such as agriculture, health care, education, ICT, and the food industry in Nigeria.
He noted that many countries, including Nigeria, have shown that their diaspora can be a veritable engine for growth and development.
Acknowledging the huge contribution the Diaspora have made to Nigeria’s economy, the President said:
‘‘In every field of human endeavour, be it the creative industries, sports, health, academia, Nigerians in the diaspora have thrived and leveraged on their skills to raise our country’s profile higher, economically, socially, technologically and culturally.
‘‘It is for these reasons that this Government established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate and support your engagement with our country for a win-win outcome in our effort to keep Nigerians united at home and abroad.
‘‘You must continue to be our ambassadors-at-large in your comportment, actions and character.
‘‘You must excel and be the best in all your endeavours. While here, you must also not forget home as you are the example we want to project to the rest of the world.’’
The Nigerian leader assured the meeting coordinated by Chairman NIDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa that the Federal Government would continue to do everything possible to catalyse development in various fields of the economy.
He also encouraged them to key into the programmes of NiDCOM, so as to contribute to initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund.
Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Enan Kefas, told President Buhari that records indicate that there are some 3,000 Nigerians living in the country, who are generally well behaved and living peacefully among themselves and the host authorities.
The Ambassador informed the President of the recent arrest and detention of about thirteen Nigerians for alleged offences of money laundering and cybercrime.
He explained that the Embassy conducted a consular visit to the prison which revealed that the arrests were ‘‘disproportionate and unjust’’ as many of them were innocent of the allegations.
He said the Mission is trying its best to ensure the release of the innocent to enable them to reunite with their families.
At the meeting with the Diaspora, a Nigerian professional footballer, Saviour Godwin, who plays for Portuguese side Casa Pia, presented a jersey to President Buhari.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 30, 2022