Category: News

By Michael Eboh

The deregulation of the downstream petroleum industry, despite the opposition to its implementation, evidence suggests, comes with a number of opportunities and benefits for the Nigerian economy, in the medium to long term.

While it has been agreed by everyone that the policy would, in the short term, come with an initial pain, especially in the form of rising price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, which is presently around N162 per litre, experts in the oil and gas industry are unanimous in their views that the policy would in the long run, benefit the ordinary Nigerians, and positively change the fortunes of the industry forever.

The opposition to this policy is that its implementation is coming at a time when majority of Nigerians are already facing financial difficulties, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced down the value of the country’s currency; necessitated a hike in prices of utilities and essential commodities, and inhibited income of Nigerians among others.

However, the case against subsidy is enormous, ranging from the widespread corruption that trailed its implementation few years back; the loss it had caused the economy, to the opacity that had trailed the regime.

It has also been stated that government was subsidizing the product for the rich, who owns fleets of cars and run their businesses and homes with generators, compared to ordinary Nigerians, who use public transportation to go about their businesses, and who use petrol sparingly with their generators.

To start with, there was no subsidy in the 2020 budget, meaning it would have been an illegality for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to continue to pay or make provisions for it in its finances.

In addition, the removal of subsidy, it is agreed, would free up funds which could then be used for other developmental purposes, such as for the building of critical infrastructure and for investment in agriculture, education and other critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Specifically, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had in a briefing with newsmen on Thursday, stated that over N1 trillion had been saved by the country since the decision to remove subsidy and fully deregulate the sector.

According to Sylva, N500 billion was saved from the decision to expunge the same amount earlier earmarked for subsidy in the 2020 budget, while another N500 billion was saved from the discontinuation of foreign exchange differentials.

He had also stated that the government had spent about N1 trillion annually to subsidise petrol, depriving the country of funds that could have been used for other developmental projects.

Furthermore, the policy is expected to address the country’s refining challenges, as more investors would be attracted to investing in building refineries in the country, thereby, increasing the country’s petroleum products refining capacity and helping the country to end fuel importation, saving the country huge foreign exchange loss and creating jobs.

Also, it has thrown up another opportunity for the Nigerian economy, as the Federal Government is driving the National Gas Expansion Programme, NGEP, which would see gas being  used as fuel for vehicles across the country, creating a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol.

The NGEP would create enormous job opportunities and attract investments for Nigeria, as investors would set up firms that would convert vehicles from utilizing fuel to utilizing auto gas.

Already, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, had partnered in setting up a N250 billion intervention fund to finance projects under the NGEP.

Stakeholders have also called for understanding from Nigerians, especially when petrol prices continue to go up, when crude oil prices go up; or when the prices go down, when crude oil prices dip.

Also, announcement of ex-depot prices or pump price by government would no longer be a normal, as the government had resorted to allowing market forces determine prices, while it plays its traditional role of regulating the industry and ensuring that consumers are not exploited.

Despite the deregulation since March 2020, up until now, oil marketers were yet to resume fuel import, because of the prevailing uncertainty, especially hinged on concerns that threats by labour would force the government to reverse the decision and return to the fuel subsidy era.

Continuing with subsidy, especially as the bulk of the product is imported, would contribute to the depletion of the country’s foreign exchange reserves, impact negatively on the value of the naira, and promote job losses in Nigeria, as the country would continue to subsidise production in countries where the products were imported from, creating jobs therein.

READ ALSO: DPR generates, remits N673bn to FG in 6 months

Confirming this in a statement issued weekend, Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, said with the downstream sector deregulation, Nigeria had been presented with a historic opportunity to get it right this time as a country, to rebuild its economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He said: “We welcome government’s action in allowing the market to determine prices as we believe it will prevent the return of subsidies while allowing operators the opportunity to recover their costs. This will in the long run, encourage investments and create jobs.

“We all must remember the country is broke and can no longer afford subsidy. There is no provision for it in the budget.  With this, the incentive for smuggling will be reduced. More funds will be available to the government for investments in infrastructure, roads, health, education and power.”

Also speaking, Professor Wumi Iledare, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s Chair of Petroleum Economics at Institute of Oil and Gas Studies, IOGS, in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, however, stated that with the current economic reality, petrol should be selling at N200 per litre.

He argued that the NNPC was actually doing the country a favour by fixing the ex-depot price at N151.56 per litre, while he described it as a socially optimum price.

He said, “The reality on the ground is not pretty at all with respect to what the price ought to be. At the current official exchange rate of $1 to N385, N200 is about right because of the level of demand driven by population and quality of life. Keep in mind that any attempt to invoke subsidising petroleum has unintended consequences.

“Of course, the opportunity was missed at lower crude oil price. We suggested not to set the price then, but fear of unrest predominate government action then. The economy is highly dependent on oil revenue. Salaries are low and not paid. It is double whammy for petrol to go up, but no budget to subsidise it.

“We all need to adjust and perhaps pump more money to the economy. Invoke patriotism, if the government has to, with carrot and stick to those owing government money.

“If Ghana is surviving, Nigeria’s exchange rates call for at least N200 per litre in Nigeria. In Ghana, a litre is about N325-N350 equivalent. Like Nigeria, PMS consumed are imported. Lessons can be learnt from Ghana.”

Commenting on the initial impact of the policy, Uche Uwaleke, Professor of Finance and Capital Market of Nasarawa State University, Keffi and former Commissioner of Finance of Imo State, warned that the hike would heighten inflationary pressure and worsen the living standards of Nigerians.

He said: “This is clearly a downside risk to inflation. In the coming months, I expect inflationary pressure to heighten as crude oil price recovery in the International market necessitates a hike in domestic pump price of imported fuel. This situation will be compounded by naira devaluation.”

However, Uwaleke stated that the alternative would be to return to the era of petrol subsidy which the government cannot afford now, especially as this may not have been provided for in the 2020 budget.

He said: “Again, expecting a government already saddled with huge debt to borrow to subsidize price of petrol does not make economic sense. With all the economic headwinds, there is no question about a spike in cost of living in the coming months.”

The financial expert, however, stated that the solution remained the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, into law to pave way for investors in the oil refining sector.

This, according to him, would also put a stop to the importation of petroleum products well before Dangote refinery takes off to fill the gap.

Vanguard

Two communities in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday signed a peace agreement as part of efforts to bring an end to the wanton destruction of lives and property in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communities involved are Dangoma and Takau in Kannikon and Zipak chiefdoms respectively.

Speaking at the event held in Kafanchan, Mr Peter Averik, chairman of the local government, said that the peace deal was brokered following series of dialogue between the two communities.

“We met and deliberated successfully on the way forward and, thankfully, the two communities resolved to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.

“This is a milestone for us and we want to use this opportunity to let the world know that we want peace and we are for peace,” he added.

He said that the peace pact was informed by the attacks of July 24 in Zikpak which left several people dead while many houses were burnt.

“Findings revealed that the incident resulted from a misunderstanding between the two communities.

“There was an attack in Zipak and we tried to get to the root of the matter and found that there was a misunderstanding between Dangoma and Takau.

“That misunderstanding may have led to the attacks and so we decided to bring the two communities together to try and iron out the issues,” he said.

READ ALSO: Gov El-Rufai should name, prosecute leaders fuelling Southern Kaduna crisis — Magaji

According to him, the communities agreed to always resort to all available lawful means of settling disputes.

“They have agreed that all issues be resolved through the appropriate channels.

“They have also pledged to be their brother’s keeper and protect each other’s property in the event of any eventuality or unforseen circumstances,” he said.

In his remarks, Isiyaku Zaman, youth leader of Dangoma, expressed hope that the peace pact would put an end to the mindless bloodletting in the region.

Zaman vowed that all trouble makers in their midst, who violated the pact, would be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.

A youth leader in Takau, who also spoke, said the cost of peace was far much less than the cost of violence as no meaningful development could take place without peace.

He pledged the resolve of the youths to abide by the peace accord, adding that time had come for both sides to give peace a chance.

He commended the council chairman for his efforts at exploring ways of achieving and sustaining peaceful co-existence in Jema’a Local Government and its environs.

NAN reports that the peace pact was signed by representatives of both sides with district heads, religious leaders and security agencies serving as witnesses.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…As Pre-clinical studies show promising safety and immunogenicity

…Over 400 participants being enrolled in Phase 1/2 study

…If Phase 1/2 data positive, companies aim to move into a Phase 3 trial by end of 2020

…Sanofi and GSK are scaling up manufacturing of the antigen and adjuvant with the target of producing up to one billion doses in 2021

Sanofi and GSK announce today the start of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for their adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine candidate, developed in partnership by Sanofi and GSK, uses the same recombinant protein-based technology as one of Sanofi’s seasonal influenza vaccines with GSK’s established pandemic adjuvant technology.

The Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a randomised, double blind and placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity (tolerability) and immunogenicity (immune response) of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate. A total of 440 healthy adults are being enrolled in the trial across 11 investigational sites in the United States.

The Companies anticipate first results in early December 2020, to support the initiation of a Phase 3 trial in December 2020. If these data are sufficient for licensure application, it is planned to request regulatory approval in the first half of 2021.

Sanofi is leading the clinical development and registration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-clinical data showed an acceptable reactogenicity profile and data based on two injections of the adjuvanted recombinant vaccine showed high levels of neutralising antibodies that are comparable to levels in humans who recovered from the COVID-19 infection. Pre-clinical results will be published later this year. In parallel, Sanofi and GSK are scaling up manufacturing of the antigen and adjuvant with the target of producing up to one billion doses in 2021.

READ ALSO: Philippine vows strict screening of Covid-19 vaccine

Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sanofi Pasteur, said: “Sanofi and GSK bring proven science and technology to the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the shared objective of delivering a safe and effective vaccine.

The initiation of our clinical study is an important step and brings us closer to a potential vaccine which could help defeat COVID-19. Our dedicated teams and partner continue to work around the clock as we aim to deliver the first results in early December. Positive data will enable a prompt start of the pivotal phase 3 trial by the end of this year.”

Roger Connor, President of GSK Vaccines said: “Moving this vaccine candidate into clinical development is an important moment in the progress towards addressing the global pandemic we are all facing.

This builds on the confidence shown by governments already in the potential of this protein- based adjuvanted vaccine candidate, which utilises established technology from both companies, and can be produced at scale by two of the leading vaccine manufacturers globally. We now look forward to the data from the study, and if positive, beginning a Phase 3 trial by the end of the year.”

The development of the adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate is being supported through funding and a collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Sanofi and GSK are committed to making the vaccine available globally

In July 2020, Sanofi and GSK announced a collaborative effort with the U.S. government to supply up to 100 million doses of their COVID-19 recombinant protein-based vaccine to meet the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed goal of making hundreds of millions of doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States as quickly as possible. The U.S. government has a further option to discuss the purchase of up to 500 million doses longer term. Both companies also agreed (subject to final contract) with the UK government to supply up to 60 million doses of recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

The partners plan to supply a significant portion of total worldwide available supply in 2021/2022 to COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the ACT-Accelerator (Access to COVID‐19 Tools), a global collaboration of leaders of governments, global health organisations, businesses and philanthropies to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

GSK commitment to tackling COVID-19

GSK is collaborating with companies and research groups across the world working on promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates through the use of our innovative vaccine adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protecting more people.

GSK does not expect to profit from COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic phase, and will invest any short-term profit in coronavirus related research and long- term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK internal investments or with external partners.

Vanguard

By Ihechukwu Njoku

Two days after Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua’s “candid advice” to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi to reconsider his move from Barcelona, the Argentinian has remarkably reversed his decision and agreed to stay at the Catalan club for an extra year.

TB Joshua had taken to social media on Wednesday 2nd September 2020 to advise Messi on the dangers of leaving Barcelona with bitterness.

“It is not good advice for Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona bitter and offended,” the cleric began. “It is impossible to establish a healthy relationship with a person who left a previous relationship bitter and offended. This is my candid advice to Messi. History is our boss.”

When Joshua’s message was released, all indications still suggested Messi’s imminent exit with details of a huge deal lined up with Manchester City already being circulated online.

Before a meeting with Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Messi’s father Jorge had unequivocally stated, “My son is not staying at Barcelona!”

However, the day after Joshua’s advice, Jorge curtly told Spanish media that his son was reconsidering his move and there was a possibility of him staying.

READ ALSO: TB Joshua to Messi: Don’t leave Barcelona with bitterness

Messi, the most successful player in the club’s history and regarded by many as the world’s best footballer, submitted his intentions to leave the club after a lackluster season at Barcelona and an alleged fallout with the hierarchy.

Then on Friday 4th September 2020, Messi himself granted an exclusive interview to Goal.com where he admitted he had been planning to leave Barcelona throughout the year but decided to rescind his decision as he “didn’t want to fight against the club.”

“I’m now staying because the president told me that the only way I could leave was by paying the €700m release clause, which is impossible,” he explained.

When asked whether he planned on taking the club to court, Messi responded, “I’d never take Barca to trial because it’s the club I love and that’s given me everything since I joined.”

His announcement lays to rest an intense transfer saga which captured the attention of the world, considering the fact most people believed he would end his career at Barcelona.

Twitter was rife with people connecting Messi’s decision to stay with Joshua’s timely advice.

“Did TB Joshua’s advice to Messi work?” tweeted Kolawole. “The fact that many Nigerians talk down on that man doesn’t change the fact he’s highly respected in international circles, especially the sporting world. His words might actually be another decider.”

“Wow! Messi listened to Prophet TB Joshua,” added Bashir, also on Twitter.

The star footballer is now expected to join training sessions under new boss Ronald Koeman in preparation for the incoming season.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…Ruling party insulting Nigerians — Ohaneze

…They should pity Nigeria, do the right thing—PANDEF

…APC claim shameful, fraudulent—Afenifere

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South; Anayo Okoli, Regional Editor, South-East; Dayo Johnson, South West Editor; Samuel Oyadongha; Ola Ajayi; Dirisu Yakubu; James Ogunnaike & Shina Abubakar

In what appears a unanimous verdict, opposition political parties led by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over claims that President Muhammadu Buhari has, by the policies and programmes of his administration, commenced the gradual process of restructuring the country.

The APC had earlier in the week in “The Progressives,” a monthly in-house publication, lauded President Buhari for taking tough steps in repositioning Nigeria for good.

Titled, “Calm Down! Restructuring has begun,” the APC chided previous administrations for spending billions of taxpayers’ funds convoking national conferences which recommendations, they ended up not implementing, adding that under the leadership of President Buhari, things have changed for the better and the president has evidently and progressively began restructuring the country in line with the 2015 election promise to ensure true federalism and devolution of powers.”

The partly also cited President Buhari’s approval of a new minimum wage of N30, 000 per month for workers and granting of financial autonomy to third tier of government as an indication of a gradual take off of the much craved restructuring of the country.

This claim has however not gone down well with other political parties who have wasted no time in dismissing same as empty and deceptive.

APC lied, Buhari not restructuring —PANDEF chair

National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd), yesterday, dismissed the declaration by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government had started restructuring of the country with financial autonomy granted to local governments and approval of N30, 000 minimum wage.

Nkanga, a former military administrator of Akwa-Ibom state, said: “Except APC wants to leave us with the conclusion that they do not even know what restructuring means, otherwise, we either do it right or we do not do it at all. We have been very clear about the restructuring we are talking about.

“That they gave money direct to local government areas is not part of restructuring that we are talking about because we are not even one of those that said that they should have three tiers of government, where federal government will be dealing directly with the local government and state government.

“To start with the 774 local government areas- how did they come about them, they just sat down, that is the military and created them. Today, we have more local governments in the north than the south, so how could we have accepted that. That is even aside, the restructuring we (South-South) are talking about is the same thing the South-West is talking about through Afenifere, South-East through Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo and Middle Belt Forum. It has three pillars and the first one that is very important to us in the Niger Delta is fiscal federalism.

“By fiscal federalism, as it was practiced in the First Republic by our founding fathers, 50 per cent was sent to the area where whatever you found was derivable from, the other 30 per cent went to the distributable pool. At a time, it was north, east and west, and then 20 per cent for the development of the national capital, which was then Lagos. This arrangement was that we can move from there and eventually have resource control, which is the first pillar. It was because of this that South-West was able to have free education, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was able to establish the first television station and did so many things.

“In the Eastern part of Nigeria, it was not as if the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe did not understand what it was all about, but the oil they were having was not enough for them to do all those things and not that he did not know the worth of free education.

“If you look at Niger Delta for example, development of Niger Delta is not the same as development of Kaduna or Kano states, if you want to construct a road in Niger Delta, by the time you go 10 kilometres, you must have put almost about three to four bridges, so the cost is not the same. So when you forget that one and just share on the basis of population, land mass, it means you have neglected a very important aspect.

“The second pillar is true federalism, we said there are about 65 items in the exclusive legislative list, which will not give the tiers, the federating units, the power to do what they should be doing. Put foreign affairs, put monetary and security there, then give the rest to the federating unit so that they can also participate in the development of the country. But they say no because they want to do everything.”

The PANDEF chair asserted: “So when we talk about devolution of power, state police and all that, it is to avoid this kind of situation where somebody will sit at one place in Abuja, share money like Father Christmas and even like a prophet, prophesying what will happen in every part of the country. That is unitary system and it is not what Nigerians want.”

“The third pillar is the restructuring of the federating unit, if you like you call it local and central governments or state and central governments but it does appear that people are more at ease with central and state governments. Creation of local governments should be left to the states because they are the ones paying, not just sharing, they will not just start local governments anyhow.

“Absolutely, they are not restructuring and we have said that if we do not restructure, Nigeria will restructure itself, we have said that over and over. Instead of doing the right thing, they have been trying to go round the corner, we talk about devolution of power, in other climes, you see federal police, state police and local government police, etc, instead of doing that, they have been prevaricating, today, they are talking about community policing.

“At the end of the day, we saw offshoot of regional police, Amotekun in the South-West, we know that there is insecurity but they do not want to do the right thing. I do not know what offence Nigerians have committed that it is blessed with bad leaders, they should pity this country and allow the right thing to be done. They go round and want to do some few things from the back and it does not even work out,” he added.

It’s insulting to proponents of restructuring—Ohaneze

Ohanaeze Ndigbo and another Igbo elite group led by Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, have also dismissed the claim by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, that President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced restructuring with financial autonomy to Local Governments and the implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage, saying that restructuring was far more than that.

According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, “it is either the APC are naive and don’t know the basic principles of restructuring or they are being out rightly mischievous and deliberately insulting the proponents of restructuring. APC should know that restructuring is an idea whose time has come and there is no stopping it”.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Emeka Attamah said that granting the local governments financial autonomy does not translate to states or geopolitical zones being in control of their natural resources.

He said, “it is either the people claiming that are naive and don’t know the basic principles of restructuring or they are being outrightly mischievous in which case they are deliberately insulting the proponents of restructuring.

Such people don’t wish the country well. Granting the local governments financial autonomy does not translate to states or geopolitical zones being in control of their natural resources; it does not translate to devolution of powers to the geopolitical units in the country; it also doesn’t translate to people having equal access to employment and justice.

“What such people don’t know is that for an idea whose time has come, there is no stopping it. No one part of the country can hold others in perpetual bondage. Something must give, and it will be sooner than some people expect it”, the apex Igbo body said.

APC claim shameful, fraudulent—PDP

Deputy national publicity secretary of the PDP Diran Odeyemi said the ruling party “having run out of smart arguments now make bogus claims that are not only false but baseless.”

According to him, “The restructuring Nigerians are yearning for is one that will free the states to leverage on their comparative advantage and not the approval of a minimum wage. The PDP has always insisted that the APC has run out of smart arguments. If to them, financial autonomy for local governments is what Nigerians have been asking for in their clamour for restructuring, we make bold to tell them that they are wrong.

“This is the way they claimed that they had technically defeated Boko Haram and yet, Nigerians are being killed on a daily basis. Nigeria is failing under their watch. It is shameful, fraudulent to link minimum wage approval to restructuring of Nigeria. Have they even started the implementation of the new minimum wage?” he asked.

Nigerians ‘ll know when restructuring truly commences —YPP

Similarly, the Young Progressives Party, YPP, faults APC’s understanding of restructuring noting that the term has a foundational connotation to Nigeria’s evolvement as an independent, sovereign state.

National publicity secretary of the party, Comrade Egbeola Martins said, “I completely disagree with the APC as restructuring goes beyond the granting of financial autonomy to local governments or approval of a minimum wage of N30, 000.

“Nigeria is currently structurally defective and fixing the nation goes beyond these two interventions that the APC perceived to be the commencement of restructuring as it’s impossible to restructure without the input and support of all stakeholders.

“Restructuring means visiting the very foundation of our existence as a nation and not amending the blocks that have been used to build on that foundation. It’s only when foundational issues that border on devolution of powers, resource control and system of government are addressed with the input of all stakeholders that the APC-led government can claim to have commenced the process of restructuring.

“In any case, the so called financial autonomy is currently not implemented neither has the increment of minimum wage translated into better standard of living for Nigerians as any gain the government ought to have made through the increment of minimum wage to N30, 000 has been eroded with the increment in Value Added Tax, VAT, pump price of petrol, electricity tariff, stamp duty, rent, transportation and food to mention but a few.

These are the direct outcome of deception and lack of sincerity by our so called leaders to address our foundational problems. When restructuring truly commences, Nigerians will know without the APC government trying to explain it to us because it will address the cost of governance, high level of corruption and insecurity,” he added.

Restructuring more fundamental than that —ADF

ADF, on its part reminded APC that restructuring was more fundamental than that, saying it believes in the reconstitution of the federation in such a way that there would be regional autonomy.

Speaking through its spokesman, Hon. Abi Onyike, ADF said that “restructuring Nigeria is more fundamental than that. “We in ADF believe in the reconstitution of the federation in such a way that there would be regional autonomy. The federating units or Ethnic Nationalities making up Nigeria should be autonomous and have capacity to assert their rights to self—determination. Granting of autonomy to Local Governments is not the duty of the Federal Government.

Moreover, the Federal Government has no power to create local Governments in a true federation. Every region or federating unit should determine their local government system. Even the so-called autonomy granted to Local Governments is merely on paper. The emperor governors have sabotaged the effort. They still plunder the councils’ resources with impunity”, ADF stated.

Devolve more powers to states —SDP

Like the PDP, national chairman of the Social Democratic Party and former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran wondered what minimum wage increment has to do with the clamour for restructuring as a means of getting the nation back on her feet. “Local government autonomy is in the direction of restructuring but imposition of a minimum wage nationwide is not,” he said even as he called on incumbent administration to devolve more powers to the component state governments in line with the principle of federalism.

APC’s understanding of restructuring warped —Afenifere

Also, spokesperson of Afenifere, Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Yinka Odumakin, in his reaction said, “If what this govt claimed to be the content of its restructuring is what it has stated, it must have a totally warped idea of what we are talking about. The subject is about return to Federalism and the only thing we see daily is the deepening of its anti-federal measures.

A member of 2014 National Confab and former commissioner in Ondo state, Chief Olusola Ebiseni said “Nigeria is diseased without restructuring. Therefore the treatment of only what the APC and the Buhari government consider as symptoms thereof will not suffice. It is only in a jaundiced federation bedeviled by military centralist mentality that the government of the federation will revel in the illogical interference in local government affairs. In the federal arrangement of the first Republic, the Action Group government of the Western Region was the first to introduce the idea of a minimum wage which could even be higher than that of the central government depending on its revenue.

READ ALSO: Edo 2020: PDP, APC at war over election manipulation allegation

A public analyst and Legal Practitioner, Banjo Ayenakin, said, “To state that President Mohammadu Buhari has commenced the process of restructuring Nigeria by granting autonomy to the Local Government is being mischievous and it is an indication that proponents of such opinions are oblivious of the true import of restructuring.

“The true import of restructuring is the enthronement of true federalism in Nigeria. Restructuring is not an esoteric or nebulous concept. It simply means the states should be given more responsibilities than they currently have while the federal government will oversee such issues as defence, foreign policy and economy. It presupposes more viable states which are technically referred to as the component units. It simply means devolution of powers. Apparently, the local governments are not the components units, but the states are.

Therefore, any purported autonomy given to the local governments although plausible; is far from being the implementation of the agitation for restructuring. If that is what the present administration sees or understand as restructuring; with due respect to them; they must be joking. Restructuring isn’t a gradual process; it is a spontaneous process.

It simply means too much power is concentrated at the center; weaken the centre and strengthen the components units which are the states by saddling them with more powers and responsibilities. I make bold to say that what we are practicing in Nigeria is a strange specie of federalism. And until we get it right by restructuring Nigeria; we will continue to wallow in chaos and underdevelopment.

Their claim is absolutely ridiculous —YCE

A prominent member of the Yoruba Council of Elders (Senior Elders Forum), Colonel Dansaaki S. Ade Agbede said, “it is absolutely ridiculous for the Federal Government to say that. The restructuring we are asking for is going back to the conference we had in Abuja in 2014 when Nigeria was 100 years after the amalgamation of 1914. The restructuring we are yearning for involves total federalism; devolution of power; going back to the 1966 Constitution which the military truncated when all the regions were self governing and had the freedom to manage and determine their own affairs.

“That time, each region was going on smoothly and healthy competition was encouraged. The issue of local government financial autonomy has nothing at all to do with it. YCE senior Elders Forum are worried that instead of addressing issue of harmonious living, the FG is not doing so.

“FG is just complicating issues and it appears that it wants to enslave other parts of the country especially the South West. Look at the issue of insecurity, if we are in a position to determine our own issue, we will manage our security better. Security is breaking down in Nigeria.

“So, the issue of financial autonomy for local government is just to stop state governors from sitting on the budgets of local government. It doesn’t have anything to do with self determination”.

In his own submission, a member of the inner bar, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said, “did the APC government not later withdraw the executive order granting financial autonomy to local governments even after I had supported it ? Have they ever implemented it whether by an Act of the National Assembly or by deeds? Does mere increase of workers wage, which successive governments before it had done over the years make it an APC restructuring mantra? I am shocked to hear this is their understanding of the meaning of restructuring”.

Barrister Iniruo Wills, a former Labour Party candidate for Bayelsa East senatorial district and ex Bayelsa Commissioner for Information and Orientation and Environment while reacting to the APC claim simply said: “That’s a poor attempt at comedy by the party.”

Eric Omare, immediate past president, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide said: “I think it is laughable and ridiculous for the APC to claim that granting financial autonomy to LGAs in Nigeria and approval of minimum wage is restructuring. I think they are just jokers and they know that they are just joking.

Though we are not surprised because the wing of the APC in control of power now have never believed in restructuring because they feel that the present federal system with so much power at the centre suit their appetite to perpetually control the resources from the Niger Delta region.

This short sighted ambition to control the resources of the Niger Delta region has been the underlining reason for the blind opposition to restructuring to drastically devolve powers to the federation units.

To those who make the ridiculous comment that financial autonomy is the restructuring Nigerians have been agitating for, I wish to remind them that the restructuring that Nigerians want is the system of government where the federal government would be in charge of only few responsibilities like foreign affairs, currency, external security, national elections and allied matters while the items that would drive development of the country including resources would be owned by the federating units for every part to develop at their pace.

Abuja should not determine how states would develop and I strongly think that this would lead to healthy competition and will be better for Nigeria as a whole. It was this sort of restructuring that even the National Leader of APC Bola Tinubu and his people were fighting for before APC took over and he went mute because of this ambition to be president.”

For, the Convener, South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, “Yes, the financial autonomy has been granted to the local government which is an ingredient of a true federal structure that we have always clamoured for but the question to ask now is how many of the states have allowed the local government breathe. Those who are the proponents of restructuring are the same ones fighting tooth and nail to kill the local government system. They deprive the local government of funds, they refuse to conduct local government elections and where they manage to conduct one, they sack officers of local government duly elected by the people as they too were elected even when it violates the law, they coerce the chairmen and take all the funds accurable to the council and leave the councils comatose and unable to carry out the functions assigned to them”

A civil society organisation, Joint Action Forum (JAF), described the claim of restructuring by the All Progressives Congress as being deceitful. Waheed Lawal, the group’s Coordinator while reacting to APC’s claim said either the party lacked proper understanding of the concept of restructuring or the party was deliberately deceiving Nigerians.

According to him, “the APC is either bereft of the idea of restructuring or it is deliberately deceiving Nigerians to have claimed that restructuring has started just because it has introduced autonomy at the local government level or due to introduction of minimum wage.

First, The two concepts are yet to be fully implemented but that is not what we are requesting from it. The restructuring we asked for is in the decentralisation of responsibilities from the central to the federating units, and the solution to that is in the implementation of the outcome of the constitutional conference. It is ridiculous to claim that local government autonomy and minimum wage is enough to believe restructuring has started in Nigeria”, he said.

Vanguard

By Evelyn Usman

Nigerians, especially youths, left the shores of the country in search of better living conditions, owing mostly to unemployment. Unfortunately, in their desperation, most of them fell prey to agents who sweet talked them into believing that they could get to their dream countries if they were able to raise between N150,000 and N600,000.

At times, these agents assured their gullible clients of job opportunities on arrival and even undertook responsibilities for the travel expenses, with an agreement to get more than thrice the amount from their clients. But unknown to many who chose to embark on the voyage to Europe through Libya, the trip was not as easy as envisaged.

In most cases, it turned out to be a death trap in disguise, as a good number of them died in the desert and in the Mediterranean sea, without reaching their destinations.

Many of those who were alive, ended up in Libya, where they were turned into sex slaves, especially females and subjected to indescribable dehumanizing treatment overseas. Some of the lucky ones who cried out to the Federal Government for help were brought back home with horrible tales.

The dilemma

Records show that over 16,000 Nigerians have been repatriated from Europe, Libya and other African countries, in the last three years. Most of these returnees were usually sighted in popular churches in Lagos, where they were given stipends to transport themselves back to their respective hometown.

However, on arrival, they were only welcomed in the first two weeks by relatives, who thereafter, left them to begin the struggle for survival from where they stopped. Some of these returnees who took loans for the journey, were faced with the challenges of paying back, with many of them finding it difficult to establish any business that would keep body and soul together owing to lack of finance

Tackling the challenge

Edo state was said to have the highest number of irregular migrants, followed by Ondo, Oyo, Delta and Ekiti states. At least over 6,000 returnees from Libya, Europe and other parts of the world have been received by the Edo State government so far. The latest returnees received on August 15, 2020, were 17 young girls and a year-old baby who were stranded in Mali.

As part of the state government’s Rehabilitation Programme, the returnees as gathered, were provided temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families, while most of them were enlisted in the entrepreneurship and farm initiatives of the state government.

READ ALSO: Edo refinery to earn $125m yearly from export of naphtha

To prepare the ground work for this programme, Governor Godwin Obaseki, set up the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, ETAHT with the collaboration of the Palace of the Oba of Benin. The TaskForce is charged with the responsibility of providing an effective and comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of human trafficking and related offenses in the state.

The State Government in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM has also opened a pineapple factory operated by a business cooperative, consisting of returnees and unemployed youths and the private sector, as part of the IOM’s integrated approach to sustainable reintegration.

Forty-two Nigerian returnees and local youths as gathered, were employed in the facility after undergoing a technical and vocational training under a project funded by GIZ.

Another cassava factory launched in Ehor town also provided job opportunities for 25 returning migrants and youths, and indirectly benefiting 150 individuals in the community.

This plant which, as explained, was aimed at involving returning migrants in income-generating activities with their home communities, as well as to promote inclusive local development thereby reducing socio-economic challenges.

Latest returnees

Receiving the latest batch of irregular migrants and victims of human trafficking recently in Benin city, the Edo state capital, the Commissioner for Justice, Prof Yinka Omorogbe, disclosed that in the last three years and eight months, the Obaseki-led administration had stemmed the scourge of illegal migration through massive investment in the education sector, in addition to creating various empowerment programmes for the youths.

She said: “These are girls that were trafficked out of Nigeria to Mali where they were rescued. They spent some months with the High Commission in Mali before being transported back to Nigeria, by the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking. Since we started operation in November 2017, the task force has been on the ground to receive every Edo indigene brought back into the country.

“We have taken and stored their information in our database. Thereafter, they will be incorporated into our numerous programmes initiated by the Obaseki-led administration to make them independent and employable. We will be seeing to their needs and ensure that they are fully reintegrated into the society,” the commissioner added.

Omorogbe, who is also the Chairperson of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, ETAHT disclosed that the state government had so far spent N300 million for the upkeep of the returnees and other logistics within the period.

Also, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, disclosed that a permanent shelters were being constructed to accommodate returnee Edo indigenes, who were trapped abroad as victims of human trafficking and irregular migration, to strengthen the state government’s rehabilitation and reintegration programme.

Osagie said, “the facilities will enable the state government fast-track short, medium and long-term objectives of rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees.

Returnees’ testimonies

One of the returnees who is physically challenged, Frank Obeahon, applauded the state government for the gesture, noting that if youths were engaged, they would not seek greener pastures anywhere in the globe. Obeahon who shared his close shave with death experience in Libya, was full of gratitude to God for seeing him through.

He said: “People travel out of the country because of the frustration they faced in the country. If they were engaged, many of them would jettison the idea of travelling out for greener pastures. Travelling through these routes is an issue of life and death and the chances of getting to the destination are 50-50 because a lot of people died in the process”.

Another returnee from Libya and a beneficiary of the Edo State government reintegration programme, Rescue Esosa, said, “I am glad to return home to start a new life after all the troubles I went through in Libya, in my search for greener pastures. The pain and experience I went through in trying to cross over to Italy were unbearable. I lost my friends in the desert and at sea. I will rather stay and invest in my country than risk my life in the hands of smugglers. I am glad to have something doing now,” she said excitedly.

Others who would not want their names mentioned in prints disclosed that they were beaten to coma and most times starved for days, for refusing to attend to the men that were brought to the houses they were kept as prostitutes.

Vanguard

File: Security operatives manning the ballot boxes during election

…Nobody has monopoly of violence —PDP

…lt’s porous allegations, says APC

By Dayo Johnson Akure

OPPOSITION People’s Democratic Party in Ondo state has appealed to the security agencies in the state to stem the tide of political violence across the state.

Governorship election in the state would hold on October 10 across the 18 council areas of the state.

The PDP in the state pointedly accused the governor Rotimi Akeredolu led All Progressive Congress of orchestrating the violence across the state.

It’s Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei  in a statement in Akure charged “President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies to as a matter of urgency, stem the tide of allegedly violence being orchestrated by the ruling APC, and ensure a peaceful governorship election in the State on October 10, 2010.

“We are also appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and properties of Ondo State people at this critical time.

“The Security Agencies in Ondo must also as a matter of urgency stem the tide of violence orchestrated by the APC to ensure that we have peaceful election in Ondo State.

READ ALSO: 15 political parties to participate in Edo guber election – REC

“For the second time in three weeks, thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have molested supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Owo.

“This recurrent development has now shown that the APC is not prepared for a free and fair election on October 10.

“The APC’s penchant for provocation and unleashing violence on the peace loving people of Ondo State are a recurring decimal.

“Supporters of the party putting on face caps having the PDP logo and emblem around Ekusi and Stadium areas of Owo, were attacked by APC thugs. This is a dangerous trend that can jeopardise the peace our party stands for,” Peretei said.

But in a swift response, the state All Progressive Congress Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye who denied the allegation described it as unfortunate.

Kalejaye in a statement said “ lt is rather unfortunate that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has chosen to submerge itself in needless and unwarranted verbal attacks on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

“ The APC has no reason to inflict pains on the people, the party has served meritoriously since 2017. The preoccupation of the ruling party is the well-being of the citizens, irrespective of party affiliations, and the development of the State.

“ The party has consistently educated its members on how to conduct decent campaigns,  as against that of the PDP that glories in “do or die” approach to political activities.

“ The APC wants to believe that the excessively desperate PDP is not employing these porous allegations as ploy to unleash terror on the people. This will be unacceptable to the ruling party.

Kalejaye therefore urged “all political parties, including the PDP, to join hands with the APC-led government to ensure rancour-free campaigns, and promote peace throughout the electioneering period.

Vanguard

…90 hectares duly approved for Ned Nwoko by Obi Nwoko III – Iyase, Odogwu, Eziashi

…It is a lie – Aligbe, Ifejoku

…Land not the issue — Prof Demas Nwoko  – Prof Demas

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South

EIGHTY-FIVE-year-old Nigerian artiste, mutable designer, architect and master builder, Professor Demas Nwoko,  mused, penultimate Tuesday, in a conversation at his country home, Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, why peace has taken flight from the  countryside, Anioma kingdom.

For the more than 30 minutes he spent with Saturday Vanguard, the elder statesman and member of the ruling royal family was staggered at what a simple matter of procuring land to build development projects has revolved in the community.

It is not only the pan-Africanist that is thunderstruck at the goings-on, every loyal Idumuje-Ugboko son and daughter is chagrinned and outraged,   especially by the events of the last five years, which have cast a smear on the kingdom.

Some persons have reportedly lost their lives, others brutalized and maimed, homes and property destroyed in triggered and senseless turmoil, while numerous cases are pending at courts in different parts of the state and beyond with no love lost among the residents.

Saturday Vanguard finding indicated the controversy smouldering since 2015/2016 is over an extra portion of land, measuring 90 hectares, which a member of the royal family, an ex-parliamentarian, philanthropist and popular billionaire, Hon (Prince) Ned Nwoko, supposedly acquired and already constructing an Olympic size golf course.

His company, Linas International Limited, had earlier acquired 33 hectares of land for a dairy project, but the area hosts other several agro-related projects at the moment with a specialized sports institution, Stars University, under construction.

The incumbent monarch, HRM Obi Justin Chukwunonso Nwoko, who succeeded his father, the late HRM Obi Albert Nwoko III, is disputing the claim by his brother (Ned) that their late father granted him approval for additional 90 hectares for a golf course project, which is the reason for the hullaballoo.

Tension mounted freshly in July when police officers from Asaba, the state capital, stormed Idumuje Ugboko and seized the monarch over alleged murder and sundry allegations. He had since been freed of those charges at the state level, but sources said he still has questions to answer at Abuja.

In a normal clime, the university project alone would have unified the community because of its gigantic prospects of opening up the kingdom, but the supposition that the entire scheme, including the golf course, were ingenious attempt at land grabbing has pitted HRM Nwoko against his blood brother, Ned, with other members of the royal family opinionated.

Expectedly, the matter has blown out to the larger community with the second in command in the kingdom, Iyase (traditional prime minister) , Chief Chris Ogwu; Odogwu (third- in –command and traditional defence minister) Chief Sunday Edemodu and  Eze -Dibie (chief priest)  Ojeanyegbe Sunday Ochei  backing Hon Nwoko.

Efforts by the ruling family, Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Council, Delta North Traditional Rulers Council and former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin City, now Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, to resolve the matter did not produce projected result.

In fact, it strokes imagination that after Hon Ned Nwoko and the monarch, embraced each other at a peace meeting convened by the Anioma royal fathers, led by the Obi of Owa Kingdom, HM Emmanuel Efeizomor and agreed to bury the hatchet that acrimony still festers.

Obi Nwoko III approved 90 hectares for Ned- Chief Ogwu, prime minister

Iyase of Idumuje Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu, whose house and vehicles were vandalized and looted in an orgy of violence that later broke out, told Saturday Vanguard at his Idumuje-Ugboko home: “When Linas International Limited, a company belonging to Hon Ned Nwoko, which has interest in university/sports management and construction of buildings, applied for allocation of land, HRM Nwoko III sent the application to the Onu Otu (the committee responsible for land matters in the town).  He summoned me as the Iyase to brief me and directed that the Onu Otu, which I lead by virtue of my position, should find out if there were available 90 hectares of land.”

”He also scheduled an Izu-Ani meeting, where, despite the resistance by the crown prince, Nonso Nwoko, an expanded committee of Onu-Otu with representatives from the four federating villages was set up. The committee after its work reported that land was available at the boundary of Idumuje Ugboko and Onicha Ugbo, which we won in 1971 and recommended that it should be allocated to Linas International Limited, which the monarch accepted,” Chief Ogwu said.

Chief Ogwu, one-time Editor of Delta state government-owned Pointer newspaper, said: “Obi Albert Nwoko III in a letter dated April 10, 2015, approved request for additional 90 hectares of land for golf course development and land for Sports University.”

”The community did not sell land to Linas, we decided to go into partnership by investing the capitalized value of the land at appropriate rate in the golf course. In other words, the community donated the land.

”There is a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, of 40 to 60 per cent equity between the community and Linas to that effect. The king also directed that adequate compensation be negotiated and paid to those farmers with legitimate claim affected by the development project,” the Iyase stated.

Nonso is the problem – Odogwu of Idumuje Ugboko

Similarly, Odogwu of Idumuje Ugboko, Chief Sunday Edemodu, also one of the victims of the consequent lawlessness in the town, said: “I know HRM Nwoko III approved additional 90 hectares of land for a company owned by Hon Ned Nwoko and MoU for the university project in which the community holds a 40 per cent equity and the company- 60 per cent was prepared by one of the sons of the late monarch, who is a lawyer, Barrister Nbanefo Nwoko.”

On what is happening in the town since the death of HRM Nwoko III, the ailing Odogwu said: “We do not know what is happening in Idumuje Ugboko, the problem we have in this community is Prince Nonso Nwoko, who is resisting development. He does not consult me and other leaders, I know everything about the land as the Odogwu of Idumuje Ugboko,

”The late king and the community first gave Ned Nwoko 33 hectares of land for agricultural purpose and he followed due process in acquiring the additional land second land of 90 hectares. That area has been mapped up for development, not residential purpose. Obi Albert Nwoko was alive and he endorsed to Izu-Ani, which sat and recommended that the land be given to Linas International Limited.

“However, Prince Nonso intruded later, which is what brought about this crisis, my house was damaged and I was inside my house when they sent people to destroy it. Nonso brought this trouble by rejecting the land his father approved for his brother, Ned,” he said.

Chief Edemodu said the tradition was that if the land was not developed within a period of five years, the land would revert back to the community.

Land not the issue, Ned didn’t follow due process – Prof Demas Nwoko

Prof Demas Nwoko, a respected member of the Nwoko dynasty and uncle to both the monarch and Ned, obviously angry at the ugly turn of events, professed: “If the king, Obi Nonso Nwoko, said he has not given land, nobody can contest it.”

He, however, added: “But the said land is in the possession of Ned Nwoko, neither the king nor anybody can move the land Ned has occupied. For me, the issue is not land, there is enough land for everybody who wants it, but we have a rule that after five years, if you do not use it, the community will take it back. If you have started developing any portion of the land, nobody will take it.”

“I say again, from my knowledge, the land is not the issue, if Ned is saying land is issue, nobody has stopped him from what he is doing. But I think he must have had skirmishes with those farming on the land before he went there, he should settle those persons,’’ he said.

Prof Nwoko bemoaned:  ”I do not know why the issue of an individual wanting land should be allowed to destroy the traditional institution of the town.”

”At the moment, we do not have a chieftaincy council, the chiefs have been split into Ned chiefs and Nonso chiefs. Even the Iyese took the king to court. I do not know where the king has gone wrong,” he added.

On how the 90 hectares of land were acquired, he asserted: “Unfortunately, Ned, the favored child of the late King Albert Nwoko III, did not follow due process. The first time I heard that he wanted land to build golf course was when bulldozers were already working on the said land and those farming on the land cried out. That was when the elders who were taken aback called him to order.”

“He agreed to re-apply for the land at a family meeting in the palace and sent a new application, but later, he said he was no longer interested in the application. We do not have the power to force anybody to comply with our decision, he has occupied the land he wants to occupy,” he said

Asked the way out, the elder statesman asserted: “The matter begins and ends with Ned and I am telling you that land is not the issue.”

Ned devastated my farmland, paid no compensation – Osakwe

Sixty-six-year-old Mr. Samson Oba Osakwe from Owu quarters in Idumuje –Ugboko told Saturday Vanguard: “I was farming on the land before Ned Nwoko came with bulldozers to clear our farm lands, we do not have money to train our children because Ned has deprived us of our means of livelihood.”

90 hectares not allocated to Ned – Chris Aligbe, aviation consultant

Aviation consultant, who hails from the kingdom, Mr. Chris Aligbe, said Obi Albert Nwoko in a letter dated August 12, 2015, addressed to Ned Nwoko informed him to stop all activities on the 90 hectares of land with immediate effect.

According to the letter: “No additional land has been approved or signed for by me; I have not ordered or delegated any of my chiefs or agents to allocate or sign for any additional land.”

In an earlier letter in May, he wrote:  ”Please be informed that the Izu-Ani held April 25, 2015 was not authorized by His Royal Majesty and therefore all the decisions taken at the said meeting are null and void.”

Aligbe noted: “Yet the Odogwu and Iyase say that Ned was allocated land by the Obi through the April 10, 2015 letter. Guess what, the Odogwu and Iyase, who were at daggers drawn, were reconciled by Ned two days before the failed Izuani.

”As at January 25, 2016, no land was allocated to Ned Nwoko. He and Prof Som Nwoko were in the Umu-Omohusi family meeting, where it was decided and a communique published in December 18, 2015 in Vanguard newspapers that ‘the required land will be made available through due process.’

“The secretary was Dr. Michael Nwoko, yet Ned is flaunting an allocation letter dated April 10, 2015, eight months earlier and Dr. Mike Nwoko and Walter Eziashi were swearing that the land was allocated to Ned Nwoko, where is the truth,” he said.

”The communique as published in Vanguard on January 25, 2016 did not confer land allocation for proposed sports university but captured the resolve of the family to support the project and the required land.

“This is primarily the reason the royal family under the able leadership of the Obi has commenced the process of looking into the land request for the university project, which will eventually be sent to the Izu-Ani for final verdict,” he said.

Nobody gave Ned 90 hectares of land – Ifejoku, IUDU president

Correspondingly, president –general of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union, IUDU, Mr. Okey Ifejoku, arrested and detained in Abuja over the crisis for more than a year, declared: ”Our crisis mainly bothers on what is right and what is wrong. In year 2000, Ned Nwoko applied for 33.4 hectares of community land for dairy farm with promise of empowering our youths as regards employment which he was given freely as an illustrious son. 15 years after, he only built his private home code-named “Mount Ned”.

“He further came up with request of 90 hectares for a golf course. The community held a town hall meeting, invited him to discuss the viability of golf course to the community. Ned gave explanation that it could be a sports university in its entirety that would bring development to the community.

“Idumuje Ugboko stakeholders unanimously asked him to follow due process in requesting for more land and to further encourage his passion, that he should commence pursuit of his laudable vision and mission on the 33.4 hectares of community land in his possession.

“If more is needed, we would all case-conference for further consideration. It might interest you that some members of the community at this junction willingly volunteered their private estate to support the project, including my humble self,” he said.

His words: “To answer the question as to what is happening in Idumuje Ugboko. I would say that the current occurrence is as a result of HRM Obi Chukwunonso Nwoko and the Idumuje Ugboko Development Union (IUDU) refusing to play to the demands of Ned Nwoko, while the intimidation, harassment, arrest, detentions, incarcerations, psychological torture, multiple serial litigation, coercion, division, physical torture and underlined hypertensive mode in our community linger on,” he said.

Ifejoku, who accompanied Saturday Vanguard to the home of Odogwu where he said the late King Nwoko III gave Ned additional 90 hectares, added: “Addressing Odogwu’s assertion that the monarch of Idumuje Ugboko gave Ned Nwoko further 90 hectares, it is fallacious, as the monarch is only a custodian of community portion of land and not Owu people’s ancestral land. The monarch has no right whatsoever to allot community land to any single individual or individuals.”

”Worthy to note too, the monarch, HRM Albert Nwoko before his demise wrote a comprehensive letter disabusing the mind of Ugboko indigenes that he allotted 90 hectares of land to Ned Nwoko. The letter was signed before the elders of the community as circulated and personally acknowledged by Ned Nwoko.

“The constitution of IUDU stipulates that request for land application should emanate from the branch of the Union cleared of any membership default by the branch president to national executive before final recommendation to the land committee and certain sum of money is paid and receipted before allocation with a caveat,”Ifejoku added.

Court has restrained Ned entering the 90 hectares —Barrister Nwoko

Prince Nbanefo Nwoko, a lawyer, and next to Obi Chukwunonso Nwoko in the royal family, peddled to have prepared a MoU for the project, denied the claim when Saturday Vanguard confronted him.

“It is a negative ploy to give credibility to an illegal transaction, I did not prepare a MoU. In form and content, there is nothing confirming the allegation that there is a MoU. It is not signed by HRH, principal members of the family, it is undated and unsigned and moreover, MoU does not convey ownership to land.”

He added: “The community is not against development projects that will bring progress to the people. 33 hectares of land was given to him for a dairy farm, he did not apply for change of use and rather, he turned it to personal estate.”

“The 90 hectares you talked about, there is a restraining order against him on the 90 hectares in suit number HC1/2/2016 and case is currently on. We have sent the restraining order to the National Universities Commission, NUC.

“Prof Somayina Nwoko, who illegally issued an allocation paper to Ned Nwoko after the letter of April 10 was fined by the family and he paid before his death.

He said his father, late Obi Albert Nwoko, accused of being favorably disposed to Ned, filed  the court action to stop him when he maintained that the land was given to him after his August 12, 2015 letter, saying that no additional land was given to him.

Obi Albert Nwoko III never repudiated the 90 hectares – Prince Eziashi

But another member of the royal family and former IUDU president general, Prince Walter Eziashi, sharply disagreed that Obi Albert Nwoko took Ned to  court over the said land, saying: “Prince Edwin Izeonyeunor Nwoko, the second claimant in the suit in an affidavit of discontinuance,  June 3, 2018, withdrew from the action when he found out that Obi Albert Nwoko did not properly authorize the claimants to file the action against Aniocha North local government council, which issued a Certificate of Occupancy for the land, Prince Ned Nwoko and Linas International.”

He insisted that both the projects for which Ned Nwoko’s company applied and secured approval for 33 hectares and 90 hectares of land were not at any time abandoned by him and the projects were on ground for everybody to see, but because of jealousy and animosity, some people, who do not want development for the town refuse to embrace reality.

“Ned could not continue with dairy farm when the cows he bought died and many stolen, but he embarked on other agro-related projects on the 33 hectares and also Stars University, which are all there as we speak, but because of NUC requirement of 100 hectares, he wrote for additional 90 hectares, which was approved.

Crown prince, others influenced late monarch to sign differing letters – Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Asaba, DCP Muhamad Uba Kura,   in a  report,  dated February 24, 2016, following a January 26, 2016 complaint by Prince Walter Eziashi that Prince Nonso Nwoko forged the signature of his father , Obi Nwoko III,  in two letters  purportedly dispossessing Ned of the  said 90 hectares,  stated:  ”The forensic document/handwriting expert opinion revealed that the signatures on the two letters captioned request for additional 90 hectares of land for golf course development and land for sports university dated 10/04/2015 and statement on the land application by Linas International Limited belonging to Prince Ned Nwoko dated 12/8/2015 were signed by one person, which is Obi A.O Nwoko III JP, MON, hence no case of forgery was established.

“That investigation further revealed that Prince Justin Nwoko conspired with Ejimofor Nwoko, Izehumo Nwoko and Richard Nwoko and fraudulently used their intimate relationship with HRM A.O. Nwoko to procure him to sign a document purporting to be denying the above portion of land which the community had earlier granted to the owner of Linas International Limited without the knowledge of the Izu-Ani members.

“It is glaringly clear from the foregoing findings that though His Royal Majesty, Obi A.O Nwoko III signed all the documents in relation to Idumuje-Ugboko community land, but the discreet investigation into the signing processes by Obi A, O Nwoko unequivocally revealed that Prince Justin Nwoko acting in concert with Ejimofor Nwoko, Izehumo Nwoko and Richard Nwoko  fraudulently used their intimate relationship and take advantage of Obi A.O Nwoko III, who is currently bedridden to procure him into signing a document purporting to be denying the land which the Idumuje Ugboko community had earlier granted to sports university after a due consideration of the request by Izu-Ani members.

‘And it is on this premise that we humbly recommend that Prince Justin Nwoko and his cohorts should be charged to court for the offences provided in Section 516, 249 (D) of the Criminal Code Law of Delta State as this will go a long way to ensure peace and harmony in the said Idumuje-Ugboko. The suspects will soon be charge to court, please,” Kura stated.

…Ned didn’t threaten Prince Nonso

On the issue of threat to life of the monarch and others against Ned Nwoko , Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, ACP, S.E Danmamman, in an investigation report, dated March 31, 2017, said: “On 8th October, 2015, Barr Ezenwa Esenwa and Co. wrote a petition on behalf of Chukwunonso Nwoko, Prince Richare Obiajulu Nwoko , Prince Edwin Ezeonyeunor Nwoko, Prince Ejimofor Nwoko , all  of the Idumuje Ugboko community in Delta state to the Inspector General of Police , Abuja and endorsed to Delta State Police Command.”

“The petitioners alleged that Hon Ned Nwoko forcefully entered the community land and took over 147 hectares of land. That he also superimposed the king’s signature in a document, but refused to produce the original. They also alleged that they were beaten up by the officers attached to Hon Ned Nwoko on his instructions and their life was equally threatened.

“On the strength of this petition, the crown prince, Chukwunonso Nwoko was invited who stood as the major key player in this petition (sic). On 28th August, 2016, the crown prince volunteered statement. On 31st August, 2016, a team from X-Squad Unit proceeded to Idumuje-Ugboko, where the statement of Prince Nwoko Ejimofor and Prince Nwoko Obiajulu were recorded. The suspect was also invited and he made statement to the police under caution.

“In the course of investigation, the following facts emerged: The petitioners and the suspect in this case are from one family- the ruling house of Idumuje-Ugboko community. The police investigation report dated February 24, 2016 state that the forensic document examiner/handwriting expert opinion revealed that the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko, Obi Albert Nwoko duly signed the alleged annexure C document in question, according to the petition, hence no case of forgery could be established.

“There was contradiction from the summary statement of Prince Nwoko Ejimofor and Prince Nwoko Obiajulu, who said they were not threatened nor intimidated by Ned Nwoko and his security aides attached to him.

“Conclusion- From the investigation and facts above, it is recommended that the crown prince, Chukwunonso Nwoko be charged to court of competent jurisdiction for giving false information to the police contrary to Section 125 (a) of the Criminal Code as it is evidently clear that his life was not threatened as alleged,” police stated.

Stopover at 30 hectares and 90 hectares of land 

Saturday Vanguard visited both the 33 hectares of land and the additional 90 hectares to find out what was on ground.  Mr John Parker, an architect, whose company, Millennium Design Build Limited, designed and is building the golf course, assisted our reporter round the golf course and on-going structures, including staff quarters, cafeteria, library, kitchen, classrooms, male and female hostels for the sports university.

He said that all supplies for sharp sand, block and other materials for the projects were done by natives at double the normal price on the instruction of Prince Nwoko, while the artisans engaged in bricklaying, plumbing and other works were locals paid twofold for their services.

Besides a palm tree plantation, fish pond, ranch for cow, feed production unit, poultry, hatchery, zoo and other agro-related projects, it was discovered that the Stars University is sitting on the 33 hectares, while the additional 90 hectares is for a standard golf course, already being constructed.

Personal Assistant to Ned Nwoko, Mr. Nelson Illoh, who hails from Idumuje Ugboko, said: “About N51 million has been spent on compensating farmers affected by the golf course project, while 25-30 youths were on the payroll of the company.”

Manager, Prince Ned Foundation, Mrs. Lauretta Onuma, who hails from Ebonyi state, said she was surprised that some Idumuje Ugboko people were resisting development, saying that in other communities, the people would support Ned Nwoko.

“He bought cows for a dairy farm, but they were stolen and many died, so he decided to embark on other agro-related projects, I am told that you had gone round without even coming to the Foundation first. But as you can see, here in Mount Ned, it is a national tourist attraction that has brought fame to Idumuje Ugboko.

“Construction of the university is ongoing in the 33 hectares and the golf course is being constructed on the 90 hectares, the land is occupied, there is nothing like not doing the projects for which we got the land. We have Certificates of Occupancy duly issued and it is for the benefit of the community,” she added.

Continues next week.

Vanguard

One of the flooded areas of Abeokuta

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed four persons killed and over 5,200 houses destroyed due to flooding in Rogo and Danbatta Local Government Areas of the state.

Mr Sale Jili, Executive Secretary of the Agency, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Kano.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted flooding occasioned by heavy rainfall in 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Jili disclosed that two persons lost their lives and 200 houses destroyed in Rogo, while two other persons and over 5,000 houses were destroyed by flood in Danbatta.

“We deployed assessment teams to the affected areas. We also visited Rogo and Danbatta to sympathise with the victims over the disaster.

“There are reports of flooding in the 44 LGAs of the state due to heavy rainfall this season,” he said.

READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom’s five years with Udom Emmanuel (2)

According to him, the displaced persons are currently taking shelter with their relatives in the affected communities.

Jili said the Agency had distributed relief items worth N3.5 million to the affected persons to alleviate their sufferings.

He listed the items to include he items distributed include bags of cement, food items, roofing sheets, blankets, Mattress and toiletries among others.

The Secretary urged residents of the state to clear drains and desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste on water ways to control flooding in the state. (NAN)

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

By Dirisu Yakubu

Foremost anti-graft agency, the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission, EFCC, has ordered erstwhile national commissioners of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, to return all official vehicles still in their possession or face the wrath of the law.

This may not be unconnected with controversy over the manner presiding officers of the then federal parliament ordered the former commissioners to quit office and leave with their exotic 508 Peugeot official cars as parting gift.

Vanguard recalls that an Abuja High Court had in July this year, issued a warrant of arrest on former Clerk of National Assembly, Ataba Sani Omolori following an exparte motion by the EFCC alleging non response to their invitation and indictment in a statement by the former chairman and secretary of the National Assembly Service Commission.

Omolori, it was learnt, submitted himself before the EFCC after his retirement and made a confessional statement that led to the recall of the former NASC secretary.

Findings obtained from documents cited at the NASC secretariat, Abuja, revealed that Omolori conveyed the approval of the Presiding Officers of the then Senate and House of Representatives for the commissioners to leave with the said vehicles as requested by them.

The letter by the former Clerk of National Assembly, Sani Omolori dated July 28 2019, referenced, “NASS/ CNA/160/Vol13/582,” and titled “Re: Request For Your Clarification Of The Pool Vehicles Of The Outgoing Members Of National Assembly Service Commission to the Secretary of NASC by the Clerk of National Assembly, Sani Omolori (As he then was) read, ” I wish to convey to you the no objection of the Presiding Officers to allow the present National Assembly Service Commissioners/ Secretary go away with their last official vehicles – Peugeot 508. The Procurement Directorate is also being advised to conclude the auctioning of the Hilux to the Commissioners to enable them pay the auction price and possess the vehicles accordingly..”

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

Meanwhile, the EFCC in a letter signed by Ahmad Sa’ad Abubakar, Abuja zonal head for the acting executive chairman dated August 20, 2020 addressed to the acting secretary of NASC, noted: “We refer to the case of alleged conspiracy and criminal conversion of public property involving the erstwhile chairman and commissioners of your commission.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to inform the under listed former commissioners to return the official vehicles – 508 cars attached to them on or before September 3, 2020, and to those who have already disposed of their cars, your office should value it on its appropriate government value price for repayment to the government pending the conclusion of the investigation into the matter”, the EFCC letter ordered.

The letter listed the concerned individuals as Alhaji Adamu Fika, chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, Alhaji Abubakar Garba Rufai, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abugi, Elder Stephen Yepwi, and Mrs. Riskat Oyebimbe Alabi,

Others include Barrister Oluwafunmilola Lamuye, Hon. Godfrey Dikeocha, Hon. Abe Chukwu, Senator Dahiru Gassol, Mallam Idi Adamu Ningi and Dr. Paul Oweh.

The EFCC letter further said the request “is made pursuant to section 38 (1) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 and section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.”

As at the time of filing this report, all efforts geared at getting the reaction of the NASC secretary and the concerned commissioners were unsuccessful.

However, NASC new chairman, it was gathered, has forwarded EFCC letter ordering the return of the vehicles to the erstwhile commissioners listed.

Vanguard News Nigeria

27 year old Chiamaka Okechi hails from Ezeama Mgbagbuowa in Ezeagu Local Government Area, about 45 kilometers from Enugu State.

She got married to her husband, Mr. Obinwanne Chiafo when she was 14-years old. She has eight children.


On Saturday, August 21, Chiamaka sustained an injury on her head when her husband mercilessly broke her head with an iron rod. This scenario got to the point where Chiamaka almost lost her life due to the violence unleashed on her.

Narrating her story, Chiamaka lamented that she has been suffering this torture since she got married to her husband.

Her 13-year-old marriage has been tales of woes as she has endured several forms of violence and abuses from her spouse. The victim currently lives in a mud house without any significant source of livelihood apart from her little subsistence farming within her immediate environment.

READ ALSO: Police arrest 23 suspected criminals in Ebonyi

She had endured years of torture, physical and emotional abuses from the husband, Mr. Obinwanne Chiafo, who hails from the same village as her.

Chiamaka revealed that she has been inflicted with torture from her estranged husband when she visited the Women Aid Collective, WACOL, August 24, to report the incident.

She narrated how the father of her children severely battered her, forcefully ejecting her from their matrimonial home five years ago, including taking custody of her six children. She has not been allowed access to these children.

She further noted that the perpetrator has married two different women after he forcefully evicted her, but she never objected. Notwithstanding, he still came around her parents’ house to regularly assault her.

The victim further revealed that her estranged husband returned in 2019 to ask for forgiveness, which she accepted, but unfortunately, he got her pregnant for the 8th child and he abandoned her again.

Narrating her ordeal, Chiamaka, lamented, “I entered into an early forced marriage at the age of 13 and started giving birth early with the result that I dropped out of school and eventually could not complete my education.


“On that fateful day, Obinwanne came to our house and unleashed terror on me. He violently kicked down the door, dragged me on the floor and attacked me.

“He pounced on me kicking, and started punching me very hard all over my body, including several heavy blows that landed on my chest. I screamed as a result of the excruciating pain, but he kept on and brought an iron rod which he used to hit my head causing me severe head injury. It was at that point that he ran away.

“I bled profusely as a result of the injury sustained yet Obinwanne recklessly abandoned me in that pitiable condition and left. He also threatened to return and kill me.

“I went to Police station at Aguobu Owa, Ezeagu LGA, the next town to report the incident and unfortunately police asked me to bring money, but I couldn’t afford it and that was how I came to  WACOL from my rural area to Enugu city”, she narrated.

READ ALSO: Miners in Zamfara react over Matawalle’s claim on exchanging gold for ammunitions

She told WACOL that after the incident, she has been suffering from severe pains on her head and chest and has been passing sleepless nights.

Her greatest challenge now is that she is unable to go back home for the past 3 days, out of fear that the perpetrator could return and carry out his threat to kill her.

 In her plea, she further stated that “I want WACOL and law enforcement agencies to assist me to arrest this man, because I don’t want to die, and I have nobody to run to. Please help me” she pleaded.

The founder and Executive Director, WACOL, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo OON, assured her of WACOL’s unflinching support to ensure that she gets justice and treatment for her injury.


She was given some amount of money as assistance to take care of her immediate needs.

According to Ezeilo, “Under the arrangement, she will also receive free medical treatment, free legal aid, counseling and psycho -social support.

WACOL legal clinic will also follow up with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrator is arraigned and properly charged for grievously bodily injury, including murder threats”.

WW made efforts to reach Chiamaka’s husband for fair hearing on the issue but it was to no avail as he is at large.


According to WACOL, “We have tried in our capacity to bring him to our office so as to hear his side of the story but he is nowhere to be found. He has been avoiding the police, even the traditional rulers in the community have done their best to bring him for questioning but efforts was to no avail”, she said.

Joseph Olaoye, pastor of Christ Disciples Church, Ilorin has warned youths against spending their whole time on social media.

Olaoye gave the warning in Ilorin on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said youths in the country are becoming social media freak thereby leading to distraction from other important things.

” The youths are no more focusing on learning trade and other apprentice jobs. They focus more on chatting and watching movies on their phone.

” They prefer to spend more time chatting and uploading pictures on Facebook and Instagram. No time for entrepreneurship skills and creativity anymore.

” The youths are gradually loosing it to social media. They are becoming lazy on daily basis and only care for short cut to survive,” he said.

READ ALSO: Delta LGA Election: youth group drums support for Agbroko

The Cleric however advised the youths to prioritise their career first before any other alternative fun.

” Prioritise your career first and stop spending 24 hours on phone chatting and uploading. You can plan your future and stop waiting for government to share money everytime,” he said.

He also advised parents to act as a watchdog to their children and stop allowing them free access to phone and social media without strict monitoring and check.( NAN)

vanguardngr.com

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Dr Marliya Zayyana, the former Chairperson of the the Governing Council, Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State.

In a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday Buhari described the deceased as an outstanding medical professional.

The president maintained that “Marliya was not only a distinguished medical doctor, but she was also a woman of integrity as her tenure the Federal University Dutsinma had testified.”

READ ALSO: Nigeria’ll suffer if judicial officers are neglected — CJN

He added that ”her demise is particularly touching because she was my family doctor in addition to the fact that her brother, Dr Suhayb Rafindadi is also my personal physician.”

Buhari, therefore, described her death “as a personal loss because of our close association with her”.

The president extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Katsina Emirate Council and the Katsina State Government over what he called “the loss of this great, talented, dedicated and selfless medical professional.”(NAN)

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Nigeria Youths

Prophetess Rebecca Inuwa of Light of God Covenant and Prophetic Assembly, Unguwan Boro, Kaduna, has said that the myriad of problems bedeviling the country are being fueled by selfish agenda.

Inuwa, who is the General Overseer of the church, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Saturday that Nigerians and those in positions of authority exploit religion and sectionalism to push their selfish agenda.

According to her, the country is experiencing financial crisis, poverty, and insecurity today because certain groups and individuals want everything for themselves.

She added that the selfishness of politicians, civil servants, and ordinary Nigerians, including clerics has hampered the country’s progress.

She said that Nigeria would get better “only if the people do away with selfishness and embrace peace, love, tolerance, and the collective interest of all.

“Our entire system promotes mediocrity over merit and promotes selfish interest over collective interest of the country.

“Nigerians must stop being selfish and greedy so that the country can move forward.

“We can only achieve our dream of a united and progressive Nigeria if we eliminate greed and selfishness.”

The prophetess said that the Light of God Covenant and Prophetic Assembly was in addition to spiritual upliftment, imparting the virtue of tolerance, peace, and love among members, and by extension, among Nigerians in general.

READ ALSO: The coronavirus and the lovers of pleasure (1)

She said that the church, which celebrated its third-year anniversary on Sept. 3, “has come a long way in building godly people that can make a difference in the country.

“Our members are being encouraged to love and to live in peace with one another irrespective of tribe, religion, and origin.

“Our members are being encouraged to embrace the collective interest rather than the individual interests such as selfishness, greed, and intolerance.

“We started as a Ministry in March 2017 with 266 members. We transformed from a ministry to a church on Sept. 3 of the same year and we have been waxing stronger.

“We thank God for the growth, the increase, as well as the positive change in the lives of the members as well as the church,” Inuwa added.

One of the elders of the church, Mr Bitrus Yakubu, urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of the holy books and live in peace and harmony with one another.

“Our problems will be gone if we learn to love our neighbours as ourselves and as God love us, a command contained in the holy books.

“There will be peace in our land if there is love and peace among neighbours,” Yakubu said. (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

Malaysian prosecutors on Friday withdrew criminal charges against three Goldman Sachs units accused of misleading investors over $6.5 billion in bond sales they helped organize for a state fund, the Bernama state news agency reported.

The move comes after Goldman Sachs agreed to pay $3.9 billion to Malaysia to settle a probe into its alleged role in the scandal involving the fund, 1MDB, which counts former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak as one of its co-founders.

The US Department of Justice estimates $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB between 2009 and 2014, including some of the funds that Goldman Sachs helped raise.

ALSO READ: Two killed hours to PDP Senate primaries in Cross River

The units – based in London, Hong Kong and Singapore – had pleaded not guilty in February and the bank has consistently denied wrongdoing.

“Goldman Sachs International Ltd, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC and Goldman Sachs (Singapore) are therefore discharged amounting to an acquittal from all four charges made against them,” Bernama quoted High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan as saying as he granted prosecutors the request.

Lawyers for Goldman Sachs and the prosecution could not be immediately reached for comment.

ALSO READ: NDUKA UGBADE: How our sweet story turned sour

As part of its deal with Malaysia, Goldman has paid $2.5 billion in cash and guaranteed the return of $1.4 billion in 1MDB assets seized around the world.

At least six countries including Switzerland and Singapore have opened money laundering and graft probes into 1MDB in a scandal that implicated Najib and high-level officials of the fund.

In July, Najib was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first of several trials he faces over 1MDB. Najib has maintained that he is innocent.

NY Post

Vanguard

The Ebonyi Police Command have arrested 23 suspected criminals in different parts of the state, warning that there would be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

Mr Philip Maku, Ebonyi Commissioner of Police stated this at a news briefing on Friday in Abakaliki.

He said that the suspected hoodlums were arrested in different parts of the state for involvement in criminal activities.

He extolled officers of the command for their gallantry and dedication to crime fighting in the state, assuring that police would not rest on its oars until they cleared the state of criminal elements.

The police boss said that efforts would be made to sustain current achievements made in containing crime and criminal activities in all parts of the state.

“I want to sound it loud and clear that criminals have no place in Ebonyi as we are poised to match them, fire for fire and no going back on that.

“I will continue to do my utmost best to sustain the tempo and assure the residents of the state of the Command’s preparedness to entrench quality policing services that will stand the test of time, especially in these ember months where criminals may be on the loose.

“I wish to reiterate our sustained effort and unwavering commitment to the actualization of a crime free state where the unsavory activities of the criminal merchants desperate to make a living at the expenses of the law abiding citizens will not be tolerated.”

The CP said that the arrested suspects were involved in cases of conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, attempted murder, malicious damage, assault occasioning harm and inciting communal war.

“On Aug 30, based on a distress call from one Cletus Madukwe, a native of Ishiagu in Ivo LGA of the state that a group of people were destroying houses and property there, we quickly mobilised to the area and arrested twelve suspects, all male.

“The suspects alleged that they were hired by one Mr Kennedy Agbai who is now at large and wanted by the police.

“Items recovered from them include; three locally made single barrel guns, one double barrel gun, five live cartridges and two expended cartridges, two matchets and one torchlight,” he said.

The police boss added that other items recovered from the suspects include; four Sledge hammers, one wooden hammer, one digger, a box of snuff and a Tecno mobile phone.

” The suspects have made useful statement to the police and confessed that they are all natives of Akara in Isikwato LGA of Abia state.

Maku further revealed that officers attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) on Aug. 4 foiled a robbery attempt at the Udensi axis of Abakaliki.

“Following a distress call at Udensi on August 4, that robbers were operating at the area, operatives of the command attached to SARS responded to the call. Unfortunately, the robbers fled before their arrival.

“Also, on August 11, information reached our men that armed robbers were operating at No. 8 Ojeowerri Street Abakaliki. SARS operative swooped on them and arrested one of the suspects while others escaped.

“One locally made revolver with six rounds of live ammunition and one expended amunition were recovered from him.

“The suspects made useful statements to the police and led the operatives on follow up investigation to their hideout at Omege avenue, Abakaliki.

READ ALSO: Elections: Police takes security measures

“The other gang members on sighting the policemen opened fire on them, during the gun duel, two of the robbers sustained various degrees of bullet wounds while others fled with bullet wounds.

“The injured suspects were rushed AE-Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, for medical treatment but were confirmed dead by a medical practitioner on duty.”

According to Maku, two of the suspects confessed their involvement in the alleged crime adding that the members of the seven-man gang were among inmates freed at a recent jail delivery exercise by the state government due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspects further confessed to be members of a syndicate that have been terrorizing residents and burgling shops within the Abakaliki metropolis. (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

Mr Olafimihan Adeoye, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in-charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) Annex, Enugu State has taken over the fully renovated and equipped Force CID office complex.

Adeoye, who took over the complex from the state commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmad AbdulRahman, on Friday reiterated Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu gratitude to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for accepting to renovate and equip the complex.

He said that the governor completed renovation and equipping of the complex within record time.

”Ugwuanyi remains a police-friendly and a security-conscious state chief executive,’’ he said.

READ ALSO: Commercial motorcyclist in trouble over N250,000 gambling debt

The AIG, however, assured that the formation under his leadership would do all it could to add value to security and public safety of its area of responsibility.

Earlier, Abdurrahman, while formally handing over the complex to the AIG, prayed that God in his infinite mercy would grant Adeoye the courage, strength, health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the formation.

“I pray that the Almighty God will grant you the health and wisdom to take the formation to an enviable height,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the formation, which has jurisdiction over South-East and South-South geo-political zones, is expected to commence operations soon. (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

Bello Matawalle

By Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah

Local miners operating in Zamfara State, who were accused recently by the state Governor, Hon. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, of exchanging gold products for firearms with foreigners have reacted swiftly denying the allegations of exchanging gold with foreigners for weapons.

The miners insisted that nothing of such has ever been done to the best of their knowledge, saying that the people who fed the governor with such information were only political jobbers.

Our correspondent gathered, that the miners have however raised a fresh twist to the allegations made by Matawalle, saying that the state government was not only losing huge resources in form of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and Revenues but was also at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers and other terrorist groups, as the situation was contributing to the security challenges bedevilling the state.

However, the Operation Sahel Sanity a component of the Nigerian Army dismissed the miners’ claim, pointing out that the troops in a well-coordinated intelligence-based operation resulted in the raid of an illegal mining site located along Gadan Zaima – Zuru Road in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“The illegal site also serves as bandits’ hideout, resulted in the troops arresting 150 suspects and recovering 20 locally fabricated Dane guns” the army lamented.

But an investigation by our correspondent revealed that the local miners who mostly spoke on anonymity argued that the governor’s allegations were “mere figment of his imagination”, as they have never sold their gold to foreigners in exchange for firearms.

According to them, “we make legal transactions with the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Buyers and Sellers of Gold (NABSG)”

It could be recalled that Matawalle had during an interview with State House correspondents, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, claimed that some foreigners exchange arms for gold and other precious stones in his state.

READ ALSO: Amotekun intercepts illegal miners with two trucks of precious stones in Osun

“It is very important to us as a government, particularly on the issue of insecurity, to know the cause of insecurity. Zamfara State is blessed with many mineral resources and some people outside the country come in to buy gold and other precious stones and sometimes, instead of paying people, they pay with arms.

“I did some investigations. So, the state government will be buying some of these minerals so that we can block that chain. The state government is engaging the miners”

“We are much more ready to be buying some of these gold from them with the limited resources”

Our correspondent went to town to get the pulse of the local miners as regards the allegation, saying that most of them denied the claim by the governor.

However, a miner who claimed to have duly obtained his license for rights of mining from the Mining Cadastre Office and preferred anonymous, claimed that he usually travels to some Arabian countries, where he has lucrative but legitimate trade contacts to sell off his mined products.

“Sometimes, we are contacted by large scale buyers from within and outside the country even before arriving at getting our gold and other related mined products processed, and we finally negotiated for the legitimate methods of payments through our banks’ accounts”

“Let the State government and or the security agencies go and investigate my records of financial transactions across banks through which I receive payments, my transactions with constitutionally accepted companies, states and or individuals could easily be traced.”

Another miner also dismissed the claim by the governor, stressing that there was no firearm- for-gold business taking place at the mining sites, saying that he has never known about such exchange of weapons for the precious stones.

He stated that the use of AK-47 rifles was predominantly in control of security personnel until when armed banditry became a lucrative business in state.

“There are about one thousand four hundred mining sites across bushes of Zamfara State managed by both legal and illegal miners. I cannot say that I know the mission behind establishing other sites, but for those that I make contact with, they’re mining for money.”

But most of the miners and residents close to the mining sites from the three senatorial zones of the state, also commented their on the ongoing feud between the state government and local miners, insisting that, a number of mining sites were owned and managed by either armed bandits, kidnappers or cattle rustlers.

According to a resident, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said even a helicopter used to land at some mining sites, especially along the Dansadau axis, where some consignments suspected to have contained weapons were loaded, and later the labourers load them in some bags before it lifts away.

However, some residents living across the bushes along the Anka-Bukkuyum- Gummi tacitly admitted that foreigners including Koreans and Chinese were trooping either by air or by land to meet with miners, although, it was gathered that some mining sites were 100 per cent managed by foreigners.

“I witnessed many times as possible when bike riding by Kanuri people in large numbers came to the mining sites with loads of unidentified stocks in bags, and later they returned with what I strongly believe were the packages of gold and other related valuables.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

Reads riot act to pirates, oil thieves, kidnappers

Promises to work with security agents

By Gabriel Ewepu

THE newly appointed Director, DG Special Unit, Delta State Command of the National Taskforce, NATFORCE, Hon Egberike T Pereotubo, Friday, called on youths to support the effort to reduce all forms of criminality in the Niger Delta region.

Pereotubo stated this while speaking with Vanguard on the worrisome spate of criminal activities that have further impoverished the peace-loving people of the oil-producing region.

According to him, NATFORCE is established to complement efforts of security agencies deployed to the region to maintain peace, law and order, which also is to combat illegal importation and smuggling of small arms and ammunition, light chemical weapons, goods, and monitoring of oil pipeline vandalism in the region.

He said: “The Niger Delta region is a part of Nigeria that is very key to the economic growth and development of this country with most of the oil and gas companies operating there.

“There have been several challenges that have bedevilled progress and development of the region despite over 90 per cent of foreign exchange revenue that comes out of the region to the national coffers. But in all these he Buhari-led administration since 2015 has demonstrated the political will to make life meaningful for the people of the region.

ALSO READ: Appoint substantive, not interim PAP coordinator, group tells Buhari

“I know and understand that the Buhari-led administration is working hard to change the narrative in the region and there is no doubt about that. My coming in into office as the new Director, DG Special Unit, Delta State Command of the National Taskforce, NATFORCE, is to ensure there is peace and progress in the region.

“I am personally appealing and urging our youths to join us to ensure the spate of criminality is reduced because criminality is not sustainable but comes with heavy consequences on the perpetrators and the entire region including posterity.

“Violence and all forms of criminality will not do the region any good but constant retrogression and pain on the long-run. So, as a son of the region as you are my youths, let us have a rethink on the issue of criminal activities and abandon it and accept the offer from the government in order for peace to reign in order to attract development to the region, which all of us will be alive to benefit from it including our families and posterity.”

However, he (Pereotubo) sound a serious not of waning and read riot act to those who are currently deep in piracy, oil theft, kidnapping and cultism to immediately drop their criminal activities or will regret it.

“We will not allow some few elements of evil and criminality make the movement of persons and goods difficult, terrorizing our communities, obstructing operations of oil companies, and vandalizing our commonwealth, the nation’s oil pipelines.

“We are all out for them and will make sure he or she that is caught regret painfully his or her actions including their sponsors. We have our ears and eyes everywhere in Delta State in particular. We will want you, persons, to drop your arms now and embrace the olive branch we are extending to you know before it becomes too late,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he promised to closely work with security agents in Delta State, and also in the region to achieve a peaceful environment by collaborating with them.

Vanguard

Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that the Friday judgment of a UK Commercial Court suspending the execution of a 9.6 billion dollar judgment debt against Nigeria is “a huge relief”.

The Minister, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the court decision “is a big victory and Nigeria can now breathe a sigh of relief“.

NAN reports that a UK commercial court on Friday granted  Nigeria’s appeal for stay of execution of the award of 9.6 billion dollar, (about N3.5 trillion) to an Irish company, Process and Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID) over a botched gas contract.

Specifically, the Royal Courts of Justice Strand, London granted the stay of execution order in the arbitrary award, following the review of written submission by the Federal Government which contained new evidence.

The presiding judge, Justice Sir Rose Cranston held that the court decided to “grant Nigeria’s application for an extension of time and relief from sanction” in the matter in dispute.

Reacting to the court’s decision, the minister said the judgment has afforded Nigeria the chance to challenge the arbitrary award to prove that the entire contract award with P&ID was a scam.

“The ruling is a big victory for Nigeria because it does not only grants Nigeria only stay of execution but also suspends any penalty against Nigeria.

“For more than a year now, Nigeria has been restless in its search for justice because we have always believed that the P&ID gas supply contract was nothing but a sham.

“We pursued the case relentlessly both in the court of public opinion and in the court of law.

The minister recalled that one of the challenges the administration faced as soon as it came on board for the second tenure was the slamming of the judgment debt on the country.

“The world and Nigeria were gripped with the fear that our foreign assets, our oil  will be attached and investors were panicked, that was when we started our campaign.

“We were quite cleared on our mind that this matter will be won not just in the court of law but also in the court of public opinion,” he said.

The minister said they took proactive steps to assure investors that the government would contest the ruling and no dime would be paid.

He said the steps were to instill confidence in the investors that Nigeria is safe for investment and they should not disinvest in the country.

“After that we held several press conferences in which we, once again, assured Nigerians that we were going to robustly challenge  the judgment.

“As soon as we finished with the domestic audience, we moved to the UK in a team to let the world know that the entire P&ID contract was a sham.“

The minister gave kudos to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) for a  very brilliant team he set up to prosecute the case.

NAN recalled that on Aug. 16, 2019, a UK Business & Property Courts (the Commercial Court), presided by Justice Butcher, had approved that P&ID should enforce a March 20, 2013 award against Nigeria by a District Circuit Court in Washington DC.

The court ordered a whopping 9.6 billion judgment debt against Nigeria over the botched  20-year Gas and Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) with P&ID.

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In a ruling,  the court authorised the (P&ID), a little known Irish engineering and project management company, to seize 9.6 billion dollars in Nigerian assets over the failed contract.

The court ruling was a fallout of the contract purportedly entered into in 2010 between the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and P&ID and the subsequent award made in July 2015 in favour of the P&ID, by an arbitration panel sitting in London.

In the failed contract, the P&ID was to build a gas processing facility to refine associated natural gas into non-associated gas to power the national electric grid.

For its part, the Ministry was to build pipeline to supply gas to the P&ID facility to be located in Adiabo, Odukpani LGA, Cross River state.

The agreement went sour because the company, which, did not build any facility at the agreed site, blamed the Ministry for not constructing the pipeline for gas supply alleging that it had committed 40 million dollar into the contract. (NAN)