STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Governing Board and Management team of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for a renewable term of four (4) years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007:
Chairman of FERMA Board — Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam
Managing Director of FERMA — Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi
Member (NARTO) — Yusuf Lawal Othman
Member (FMW) — Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh
Member (FRSC) — ACM Shehu Mohammed
Member (Finance) — Babatunde Daramola-Oniru
Member (South-South) — Hon. Preye Oseke
Member (South-West) — Hon. Oye Ojobe
Member (South-East) — Dr. Kenneth Ugbala
Member (North-Central) — Sen. Timothy Adudu
Member (North-East) — Engr. Abubakar Bappa
Member (North-West) — Aminu Adamu Papa
President Tinubu expects the new appointees to achieve integrous and competent service delivery, given the central role that the institution will play in the sustainable health of growth-enabling infrastructure nationwide.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS EX-INTERIOR MINISTER, BELLO MAITAMA YUSUF
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of a former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Senator Bello Maitama Yusuf.
The President extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to Senator Yusuf’s family and friends, as well as the government and people of Jigawa State.
“A true believer in Nigeria’s unity and stability, Senator Maitama Yusuf contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of this country. In the public service, he was selfless. He was dedicated to effective service delivery in order to improve the lives of Nigerians. He served Nigeria meritoriously as the Honourable Minister in the Federal Ministries of Interior and Commerce, before being elected into the Nigerian Senate by his people.
“Senator Yusuf was widely regarded as an advocate for good governance, transparency, and youth empowerment during his time in the Senate. Later in life, he was engaged in business, and he made success out of it.
“Nigerians will fondly remember and honour his memory, particularly for the courageous and pivotal role he played in countering attempts by anti-democratic forces to undermine the country’s democracy by seeking to extend the constitutional term limits of elected leaders,” the President affirmed.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah grant the soul of Sardaunan Dutse eternal rest and give succour to all those who grieve over this irreplaceable loss.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2023
COURT JAILS ENDURANCE AGBI, SYLVESTER OSATOFOH EBHOAIYE, EDAFE PROMISE, CHRISTIAN SKINN, ARIOMOGHWA LUCKY, OGBEBOR PRICEWILL, IRIKEFE PROSPER, ODIRI EJIRO, EYENGHO RICHARD, APOI UFOUMA AND ENABOR PETER ODIANOSEN
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court Benin City, on Tuesday October 10, 2023 convicted and sentenced an impersonator, Endurance Agbi and 10 other fraudsters to various jail terms.
The other convicts are : Sylvester Osatofoh Ebhoaiye, Edafe Promise, Christian Skinn, Ariomoghwa Lucky, Ogbebor Pricewill, Irikefe Prosper, Odiri Ejiro, Eyengho Richard, Apoi Ufouma and Enabor Peter Odianosen. While Odianosen was jailed on Wednesday, October 10, 2023, all others were jailed on Tuesday.
They were arraigned separately on one -count charge of personation and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Agbi reads: “that you Endurance Agbi sometime between 21st December 2020 and 8th January 2021 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud represented yourself to be DR ODIDI, a herbal medical practitioner and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo State ) 1976.”
The charge against Ebhoaiye reads: “ that you Sylvester Osatofoh Ebhoaiye sometime between November 2022 to 9th July 2023 in Benin City did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be Jones Walker, a verified and legitimate Bitcoin trader and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 384 of the criminal Code Law of Edo state.”
The charge against Odianosen reads: “that you Enabor Peter Odianosen on or about the 1st of August, 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession on your Nokia C20 with IMEI Number 35674897485052519 documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of the same Act”
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting prosecution counsels to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants prayed the court to temper justice with mercy “as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.”
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Agbi to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira ( N1,000). Ebhoaiye, Skinn, Lucky, Richard, Ufuoma were sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira ( N300,000) fine.
The duo of Princewill and Ejiro bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira ( N500,000) each, while Promise and Prosper bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira ( N200,000) each. Odianosen also bagged three years imprisonment or an option of fine of N500,000( Five Hundred Thousand Naira only).
The judge ordered the forfeiture of two Toyota Venza, One Mercedes Benz GLK, One Lexus NX200, Honda accord 2013 model mobile phones and balances in the convicts’ bank accounts, being proceeds of crime, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The court also ordered that the sum of $525.00 recovered in cash from Agbi during investigations, be paid to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s account through the EFCC for onward delivery to the NFIU. Also, the judge ordered that the bank accounts of the convicts be permanently closed.
The journey to the Correctional Centre began for Agbi and his co-travellers following their arrest by operatives of the Commission, based on actionable intelligence regarding their nefarious activities at different locations in Delta State. During investigation, they were discovered to be involved in different shades of internet fraud.
Agbi especially was arrested through a collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, sequel to a suspicious transaction report of $12,800 on his account. He confessed that he was an internet fraudster and that he impersonated the identity of Dr. Odidi, a traditional medical practitioner and through that defrauded his unsuspecting foreign victims.
Media & Publicity
October 12, 2023.
N1.7BN FRAUD CASE INVOLVING KAYODE ODUKOYA, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LIMITED: COURT ADJOURNS TILL DECEMBER 1, 2023 FOR JUDGMENT
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, adjourned till December 1, 2023 for judgment, an alleged N1.7bn fraud case involving Kayode Odukoya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Nation Airways Limited.
Odukoya is facing trial, alongside First Nation Airways Limited and Belleview Airlines Limited on seven-count charges bordering on forgery, use of false document, perjury, stealing and obtaining credit by fraud, contrary to Section 85(1), 86(1), 278(1)&(b), 285(1), 313(1)(a) &(b), 361(1)(a)& (b), 363 (1) and 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.
One of the counts reads: “Kayode Odukoya and First Nation Airways, on or about the 29th day of August, 2013 in Lagos, within the lkeja Judicial Division, by means of fraud, obtained the credit of N307,268,406.43 for yourselves from Skye Bank Plc (Now Polaris Bank Ltd) and made the bank to incur liability by presenting a Memorandum of Loss at Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy registered as No.33 at page 33 in Volume 1011 at the Lagos State Registry, Alausa, Ikeja in respect of property being and situate at No. 29 Oduduwa Street, lkeja GRA. Lagos State.”
Another count reads: “Kayode Odukoya, First Nation Airways Limited and Bellview Airlines Limited, on or about the 7th day of October, 2016 in Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1, 742,994,962.04 (One Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-one Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-two Naira, Four Kobo) property of Skye Bank Plc.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thereby prompting the commencement of trial.
The prosecution, before closing its case on November 30, 2020, had called five witnesses and tendered several documents to prove the case against the defendants.
However, the defendant, through his counsel, E.D. Onyeke, had applied for a no-case submission.
The Judge , on January 11, 2022, dismissed the no-case submission and also ordered the defendant to open his defence.
The defendant, thereafter, took to the dock to defend himself. He denied the allegations levelled against him.
Following the conclusion of his defence, Justice Dada had adjourned for the adoption of final written addresses.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, adopted the final written address of the prosecution and urged the court to hold that the prosecution proved its case against the defendant.
Onyeke also adopted the final written address of the defence.
He, however, urged the court to discharge and acquit his client.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada adjourned till December 1, 2023 for judgement.
Media & Publicity
October 12, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW EFCC CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION
By the powers vested in President Bola Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President,” President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.
Mr. Ola Olukoyede is a lawyer with over twenty-two (22) years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence. He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023). As such, he fulfills the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC.
Mr. Olukoyede’s appointment follows the resignation of the suspended Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda to serve as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.
Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda is a public administrator with extensive experience in public finance management who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank.
President Bola Tinubu tasks the new leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to justify the confidence given to them in this important national assignment as a newly invigorated war on corruption undertaken through a reformed institutional architecture in the anti-corruption sector remains a central pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 12, 2023
SHAME, AS PETER OBI JUMPS ON ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S BANDWAGON
Like a befuddled mind jolted out of deep slumber, Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate, hugged a podium to echo a script authored by Atiku Abubakar, his senior partner and co-traveller on a dark ignominious alley to nowhere.
At his press conference earlier today, Mr. Obi blathered on about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s identity and academic record, like a broken voice note of Atiku Abubakar, cutting a pitiful profile as though forced to read a prepared statement by his unimaginative handlers, and mendacious associates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Unwilling to miss out in the orchestrated campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his certificate from the Chicago State University, Obi jumped on the tailboard of Atiku’s bandwagon to satisfy his uncanny and insatiable thirst for cheap media attention, long after his Labour Party had dissociated itself from a bogus call to action by the former Vice President.
In his drivel, Peter Obi, demanded that the President reintroduce himself to Nigerians, as though the 8.9 million Nigerians who voted him last February were all groggy when they made their free democratic choice.
Mr. Obi must know that President Tinubu does not need a re-introduction. He does not have any identity problem, except the one contrived by the Atikus and Peters of our political firmament.
The 8.9 million Nigerians who voted him into office were, and remain, aware of his outstanding record and accomplishments as a defender of democracy, freedom, social and economic justice for over three decades. Nigerians know President Tinubu as a thoroughbred professional and former auditor and treasurer of Mobil Nigeria, now ExxonMobil.
Nigerians know the President as a former Senator of the Federal Republic where he served as Chairman of the influential Finance and Appropriations Committee.
They know him as a former Governor of Lagos State who designed and paved the pathway to the growth and prosperity of present day Lagos, the 5th largest economy in Africa.
Nigerians know who they voted for as the 16th President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They voted for him with full faith and confidence that his track record and wide competences would help in the re-engineering of our country’s economy for the good of the greatest number of Nigerians.
In marked contrast, Nigerians have flatly and serially rejected Atiku Abubakar, and denied Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the last election election.
Beyond regaling Nigerians with false and embarrassing statistics for which he has gained notoriety, Peter Obi cannot be said to be known for any outstanding performance as governor of Anambra State for eight years with no worthy legacy standing to his name.
As for President Tinubu’s academic record at the Chicago State University, the facts are clear and settled except for those political jaundiced by the trauma of electoral defeat.
The Chicago State University has unequivocally stated over and over again, and in a deposition, under oath, by the Registrar, Caleb Westberg that President Tinubu attended the school and graduated with Honours.
Nigerians are now familiar with stellar academic performance of President Tinubu as evidenced by his transcript as released by the CSU with 18As, 10Bs and 3Cs grades.
It is disturbing and utterly contemptuous of the courts of our land for the duo of Atiku and Obi to rail and pollute the public space with the very same issues that they have submitted to the court for adjudication. They have continued to perpetrate public deception, operating, simultaneously, as accusers and judges in their own base cause.
We condemn the sordid and disgraceful attempt by Obi, Atiku and their cheerleaders to use the mainstream and social media to intimidate the judiciary, incite the public to violence, disparage Justices of the Appeal and Supreme Court, and we urge all well meaning Nigerians to condemn this anti-democratic and irresponsible conduct of both political naggers. For the records, our team of lawyers stand advised to explore all available judicial mechanisms towards bringing Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to justice for their ceaseless contemptuous conduct.
In our democracy, the office of the President is not filled by intimidation, blackmail or reckless self help. It is filled by the people, by their lawful votes at the polls just as they did on February 25, 2023 when they elected Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Atiku speaks on allegations of forgery
The APC busybodies have been bombarding me with allegations of forgery against my Principal, ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR (GCON) which I immediately forwarded to him and here is his copious response: “Yes I used Sadiq Abubakar to sit for my WAEC and after passing my exams I went to swear an affidavit to say I am the same person as ATIKU Abubakar. I went to ABU as Atiku Abuakar and passed my Exams as Atiku Abubakar. Interviewed as Atiku Abubakar by the Federal Civil Service Commission and hired into the Customs Service as Atiku Abubakar. So where is forgery there?” – ATIKU ABUBAKAR
Screening of presidential nominees to the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission begins in Abuja
An ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives will screen presidential nominees to the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday.
This was contained in a statement jointly issued by the Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (PDP, Delta) and the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi (APC, Ekiti) on Wednesday.
The ad hoc committee set up by the House to screen the nominees include; Julius Ihonvbere (House Leader), Abdullahi Halims (Deputy Leader), Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Ali Isa (Deputy Minority Leader), Usman Kumo (Chief Whip), Oriyomi Onanuga (Deputy Chief Whip), Ms Ibori-Suenu and Jafaru Leko (Deputy Chairman, House Committee on NDDC).
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written a letter to the House seeking the confirmation of the board of the NDDC. The letter was read on the floor of the green chamber by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, who presided over Tuesday’s plenary.
The nominees, as contained in the letter from the president, are as follows Chiedu Ebie, Chairman (Delta); Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO (Bayelsa); Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers); Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom); Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo); Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa); Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom); Monday Igbuya (Delta); Tony Okocha State (Rivers); and Patrick Aisowieren (Edo).
President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives to confirm the Chairman and governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Tinubu said compliance with the provisions of section 2(2) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc.) Act.
The letter was addressed to the Speaker Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas and dated August 30, 2023 was read by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ben Kalu during plenary on Tuesday.
It reads, “In compliance with the provisions of section 2(2) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc.) Act, I am pleased to present the underlisted seventeen (17) nominees for the consideration of the House of Representatives for the positions of Chairman and members of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.”
The names for confirmation are as follows:
- Chiedu Ebie (Chairman) Delta State,
- Samuel Ogbuku (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer) Bayelsa
- Boma lyaye ED (Finance and Admin) Rivers
- Victor Antai ED (Projects) Akwa-lbom
- Otito Atikase ED(Corporate Services) Ondo
- Dimaro Denyanbofa, State Representative Bayelsa
- Abasi Ndikan Nkono, State Representative Akwa-lbom
- Hon. Monday Igbuya, State Representative Delta
- Chief Tony Okocha, State Representative Rivers
- Hon Patrick Aisowieren, State Representative Edo
- Kyrian C Uchegbu, State Representative Imo
- Victor Kolade Akinjo, State Representative Ondo
- Chief Dimgba Eruba, State Representative Abia
- Hon. Orok Otu Duke, State Representative Cross River
- Hon Nick Wende, Zonal Representative North Central
- Hon Namdas Abdulrazak, Zonal Representative North East
- Dr.Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, Zonal Representative North West
“While I look forward to the usual expeditious consideration of the House,please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the President said.
Lawyer seeks revocation of Appointment of NDDC Board Member, Abegunde, Managing Director, Ogbuku
The lawyer explained that Abegunde’s appointment is illegal and a breach of some vital provisions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Act 2023.
A Nigerian legal practitioner, Myson Nejo Adeyemi, has written to the country’s president, Bola TInubu to immediately revoke the appointment and inclusion of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter addressed to the president’s office dated 10th of October, 2023, the lawyer explained that Abegunde’s appointment is illegal and a breach of some vital provisions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Act 2023
The lawyer also demanded that the President should revoke the appointment of Chief Samuel Ogbuku, an indigene of Bayelsa State as the Managing Director of the NDDC because people from Bayelsa had previously occupied the position.
The statement reads: “Upon Your Excellency’s assumption of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you ‘deemed it fit to dissolve the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to enable the proper re-constitution Of ‘the- Board in accordance with the provisions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Act 2023 As amended.
“In re-constituting the Board of the Commission however, Your Excellency submitted the name of one Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde a.k.a. Abena who is an indigene of Akure South Local Government of Ondo State to the Senate for screening and confirmation as Executive Director of Corporate Affairs of the Commission.
“It is very important to bring to your cognizance that Hon. Abegunde’s nomination to the board of the NDDC violates the clear provisions of section 12 (1) of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment, Etc.) (Amendment) Act 2023 which provides that the membership of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission shall be composed of persons from the oil producing areas of member states. Although a citizen of Nigeria from Ondo State, Hon. Abegunde is not an indigene of an oil-producing area in Ondo State. This statutory disqualification renders his nomination a non-starter and indeed, a nullity and void in law.
“May I with respect invite Your Excellency’s attention to the provisions of section 12(1) of the Niger Delta Development Commission Act 2023.
“There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and three Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production.”
“Arising from the effect of the above statutory provision, the law as it stands today is that the nomination of Hon. Abegunde who is statutorily disentitled (per the NDDC Act) to represent Ondo State as a member of the Board of the Commission is an act of illegality which I hereby urge Your Excellency to review.
“Upon the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde being brought to the public domain, I immediately instituted a public interest action before the Federal High Court challenging the legality of the purported nomination in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1217/2023: Between Mysore Adeyemi Nejo v. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ors. The Originating processes are hereto attached and marked as Annexure 1.It is thus clear that the legality or otherwise of the purported nomination of Hon. Abegunde is now a subject of judicial determination and it will be antithetical to the rule of law to take steps that would undermine the powers of the courts on this issue.
“The need to restate the rotation principle on the appointment of the Managing Director of the Commission. Appointment to the office of the Managing Director of the Commission is based on rotation among the member states of the Commission in the order of crude oil production quantum. This is as espoused in section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act. The effect of the rotation principle is that the position of the Managing Director of the Commission shall rotate among all the member states of the Commission in the order of production quantum.
“Since the establishment of the Commission, some member States have had their turn in occupying the position of the Managing Director of the Commission and those states are Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States. Some of these states had used and exhausted their entitlement to occupy the position of the Managing Director of NDDC.
“In particular, Bayelsa State, represented by Chief Timi Alaibe occupied the position of the Managing Director of NDDC between the year 2005-2a 09.
“Upon the constitution of the Board by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, an indigene of the same Bayelsa State in the person of Chief Samuel Ogbuku was erroneously nominated and confirmed as the Managing Director of the Commission for a term of two years purportedly to complete the tenure of Chief Timi Alaibe who had occupied the position For period of four years between the year 2005 – 2009 and had exhausted the slot of Bayelsa State.
“Surprisingly; Chief Samuel Ogbuku from the same Bayelsa State was nominated by Your Excellency as Managing Director of the Commission for another full tenure of four years when the true position is that Bayelsa State had already fully utilized and exhausted its turn to occupy the position of the Managing Director of the NDDC.
“It is my humble position that Bayelsa State is not entitled to occupy the position of the Managing Director of NDDC any longer until all member states have taken their turns in occupying the position of the Managing Director of NDDC. Allowing Bayelsa State to again occupy the position of the Managing Director of NDDC would have the unsavoury consequence of giving Bayelsa State a second bite at the Cherry and shortchanging Ondo State which is the next in turn to occupy the position in line with the principle of rotation enshrined under the NDDC Act.
“Ondo State is next in turn to occupy the position of the Managing Director of NDDC in line with the principle of rotation enshrined in section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act, Ondo State being the 5th largest producer of oil among the member states of the NDDC. Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa have taken their turns at different times.
It is crucial that in constituting the Board of the NDDC, Your Excellency ensures that the rule of law, justice and equity prevails in the appointment of the members of the Board especially the Managing Director of the NDDC.
“PRAYERS – 1. That Your Excellency should stay further action on the proposed inauguration of the Board of the NDDC as currently purportedly constituted until all issues pertaining to the legitimacy of the members of the Board are resolved in line with the provisions of the enabling Act of the Commission and in line with the dictate of the rule of law.
“2. That Your Excellency immediately revokes the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde a.k.a Abena, an indigene of Akure South Local Government of Ondo State as Executive Director Corporate Affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, his nomination having been made in egregious violation of the provisions of Section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act As Amended 2023 which mandatorily stipulates that only indigenes of oil producing areas of member States of the Commission are entitled to be nominated and/or appointed as Executive Director of the Commission.
“3. That Your Excellency revokes the nomination and/or appointment of Chief Samuel Ogbuku, an indigene of Bayelsa State as the Managing Director of the NDDC. Bayelsa State has already exhausted its turn to occupy the position of Managing Director of NDDC through the tenure of Chief Timi Alaibe who occupied the position for a period of four years between 2005 -2009. It is unjust, inequitable and unfair to allow Chief Samuel Ogbuku from Bayelsa Si-ate to occupy the position in violation of the principle of rot tion enshrined in section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act.
“4. That Your Excellency is urged to nominate al indigene of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State ; the Executive Director Corporate Affairs of the NDDC in compliance with the provisions of section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act which provides that the position of the Executive Director of the Commission shall be occupied only by indigenes of oil producing areas of members states of the NDDC.”
EFCC arraigns Umar Bello Sadiq on three -count charges of misappropriation and issuance of dud cheques.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Umar Bello Sadiq before Justice Zuwaira Yusuf of the Kano State High Court on three -count charges of misappropriation and issuance of dud cheques.
The defendant was arraigned, alongside his company, Marula Global Links, for allegedly obtaining the sum of N20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira only), from Faridah Nasir Bayero, wife of the Emir of Bichi , Nasir Ado Bayero, under the guise of investing same into a mining business.
However, after collecting the money, the defendant allegedly diverted the money to his personal use.
One of the charges reads: “That you UMAR BELLO SADIQ AND MARULA GLOBAL LINKS LTD on or about 6th May, 2021 and 25th November, 2021 at Kano within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court dishonestly misappropriated the sum of N20, 000, 000.00 (Twenty Million Naira only) entrusted to you by Faridah Nasir Bayero for the supply of Industrial Resources and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 309 of the same code.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel Sadiq Kurawa prayed the court for a trial date, while defence counsel, Shuaibu Muazu moved a bail application for his client. Justice Yusuf granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and two sureties in like sum who must be his blood relatives.
The judge also adjourned the matter to November 24, 2023 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
October 11, 2023.
MONEY LAUNDERING: DOMINIC OGBEH ONAH BAGS ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Command, on Monday, October 9, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Dominic Ogbeh Onah before Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State .
He was jailed after pleading guilty to one -count charge bordering on money laundering, consequent on his arraignment by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The charge reads, “That you Dominic Ogbeh Onah, sometime between 1st of January, 2021 and 7th of February, 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court act as a picker to Gideon Akatu, Abah Manyi and Awodi Oche now at large and received the sum of N12,000,000 (Twelve Million Naira only) through your venmo account, same money you converted to Naira equivalent and transferred to the fraudsters and retained 10% of the total sum as your commission and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act 2022″.
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Following his plea, Justice Dogo convicted and sentenced Onah to one year imprisonment with an option of fine of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira only). The convict also forfeited his iPhone 11 Pro Max, alongside other proceeds of his crime.
Ohan’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he was arrested by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC, for internet-related offences. He was prosecuted and convicted.
Media & Publicity
October 11, 2023.
Time for Tinubu to do things right – Full text of Peter Obi’s press conference
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Wednesday addressed a press conference in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
FULL TEXT:
Having followed the prolonged identity crisis that recently played out in the American Court System and the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Chicago State University credentials of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I must confess that I am distressed as a Nigerian.
In addition to the barrage of media frenzy that the matter has triggered at home and abroad, I have had the unwholesome burden of responding to embarrassing questions about Nigeria’s overall credibility as a nation to privileged audiences and individuals both at home and abroad in different parts of the world where I have travelled lately.
To outsiders, the entire CSU matter as well as Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s many lingering identity question marks has further worsened Nigeria’s less-than-glorious image internationally. Uninformed outsiders now see every other Nigerian as a potential fraudster, certain forger, or identity thief. The controversy is unnecessary just as the implicit global embarrassment could have been avoided.
In my opinion, Chief Bola Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself from this protracted embarrassment and undue anxiety. Even this late in the day, however, he still owes the nation and the world a simple debt of obligation that only he can discharge.
I call on him to immediately and personally mount the rostrum of his present high office to perform a simple task once and for all time. He should re-introduce himself to the nation he governs and to the world for the avoidance of further doubt.
He should let the world know his name, nationality, his place of birth, his parentage, the primary and secondary schools he attended with dates as well as the actual universities he attended and certificates obtained. He should indicate clearly where & when he did his National Youth Service. In addition, if at any time he has had a change of name, he should clearly state so and the circumstances. That, in itself, is no crime.
This simple task should take no more than a few minutes. It requires no affidavits, prolonged court processes, spokespersons, agents, or surrogates. This task is one that only Chief Bola Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement can perform. He must perform this task urgently in order to lay to rest, once and for the last time, the many lingering doubts and valid speculations about his true identity.
A leader can’t outsource a clear unambiguous personal statement about his identity to political surrogates, social spokespersons, lawyers, or any other persons no matter how highly placed.
A matter of the personal identity of a leader is too sensitive and central to the functions of the office he currently occupies to be tried with, outsourced, or disguised under the cloak of officialdom.
It is also about integrity, morality, values & the rule of law that denies the character of the Nation and its people. In his present capacity as a leader of a nation of over 200M Nigerians, his true identity is a matter of grave national and international interest
The people deserve to know for a certainty the true identity of their leader and this overrides whatever rights he may have to personal privacy.
In addition, the international community deserves to know the true identity of the person with whom they will engage in Nigeria.
Having stood for an election to the elevated public office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Bola Tinubu has implicitly undertaken to cede the rights of a private citizen in favour of a life of open disclosure of his true identity, and other circumstances that may be of public interest. His personal integrity demands no less.
The legitimacy of the office he currently occupies demands that much and even more. Respect for the integrity and esteem of the Nigerian nation within the community of nations makes it even more incumbent and compulsory.
It’s time to do the right thing.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
JULIUS BERGER CSR: ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION LEADER AGAIN RENOVATES, RESTORES AND DELIVERS CLASSROOM BLOCKS FOR SCHOOLS IN NIGER AND KANO COMMUNITIES
Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc improved her Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio of initiatives to benefit its host communities across the country recently, when it donated a block of classrooms and Principal’s Office to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Boyi, Gurara L.G.A, in Niger State.
At the event, after a brief introduction of the Julius Berger team and opening remarks by the leader of the company’s CSR team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Mr Bala Ishaku Dodo said, “the importance of education and a conducive learning environment cannot be overemphasized. Before now, this building was an incomplete one, and there was not a roof and chairs for our classrooms,” adding that, “…initially, we had to wait for the primary school students to finish their classes to enable the junior secondary students go in for their classes in the afternoon.
Bala Ishaku Dodo further stated that, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc came to our school’s rescue and not only gave us this beautiful structure, but also provided us with students’ and teachers’ chairs, a Principal’s office, and a toilet. The excitement on our children’s faces clearly shows that Julius Berger has given them an amazing gift and we cannot be more grateful. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to Julius Berger.”
Speaking at the event, the Acting Village Head, John Nasara JP, who couldn’t withhold his excitement said, “Words aren’t enough to express my excitement. With this donation, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has not only touched the hearts of the students, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of our community. Through this donation, Julius Berger has showed us the actual meaning of kindness and has exhibited it by giving back to the society. We are grateful and may God bless the company with every good and kind gift.
The Secretary of the Hausa Community, Umar Abdulkareem Kauru, who was also present at the handing over of the project said, “…we are very excited for the helpful actions taken by Julius Berger. Looking at the smiles on our children’s faces gives me so much joy. We appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done today. We are so grateful.”
The Head Boy of the school, Michael E. Daniel, who was also present at the event said, “I want to thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We appreciate how much Julius Berger is concerned about our education and all the company’s efforts towards our community. On behalf of my fellow students, I say thank you to Julius Berger.”
At the company’s next donations stop at Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, Kura L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the school management and the students.
The Principal of the school, Falalu Kabiru Ahmed, was effusive with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger. “…I want to specially thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We had just two classroom blocks and could not afford to admit more children into our school due to lack of learning spaces. Thankfully, this very thoughtful gesture came to us at a time when we really needed it, and we do not take this for granted. God gave us what we really desired and He did that through Julius Berger. On behalf of the staff, parents and the pupils of Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, I say a very big thank you to the company.”
The Village Head, Abubakar Tijjani Abubakar, said, “I am extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for this significant contribution made to our school and also our community. I also want to take out time to also thank the entire management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. This company, indeed, has written its name boldly in our community anals.”
The College Director, Mr. Salisu Kura, who was present at the event, thanked the company also for the CSR donation gifted to the school, adding that, “Asides this, Julius Berger also helped to repair certain areas within the school premises which had potholes and were water-logged and as such, the students were previously restricted from accessing certain points in the school. He added that with Julius Berger’s intervention, the bad portions had been repaired for free and easier movement. We are happy. I pray God reward and bless the company continuously.”
The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Manager, Finn Drosdowski and ably supported by the Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other Julius Berger officials at the events in Niger and Kano States include Akeem Lawal, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TASKS EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE ON DEVELOPMENT OF BLUE ECONOMY
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the executive and legislature to develop the blue economy in Nigeria by paying greater attention to the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation led by its Chairman, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday evening, Governor Sanwo-Olu said all hands must be on deck to aggressively reduce bottlenecks for businesses to thrive in Lagos State, especially in the blue economy sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the visit of members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation to Lagos State for oversight functions is apt and strategic.
He therefore urged them to make adequate recommendations and suggestions to the larger body of the Red Chamber on how to move the country forward through the blue economy.
He said: “First is to thank Mr. President (Bola Tinubu) for creating a new ministry called the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Assembly has taken the right direction by setting up a proper committee to do oversight function in this very important national assignment.
“We know how the blue economy is transforming the indices of economic development and both the executive and legislature need to support this area such that our economic activities can better be developed, supervised and monitored.
“We need to aggressively reduce bottlenecks of businesses all around facilities and Lagos so that businesses can thrive; they can do well, generate desired revenue to keep people in employment, pay their taxes and create wealth for themselves, families and the nation in general.
“Lagos is happy that there is a whole team that is looking at the blue economy sector and we believe that when we work together, not only the sector will benefit but the entire economy itself will benefit tremendously from all the engagements.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu led administration for giving prompt attention to all the bridges that lead to various ports in Lagos State.
Speaking earlier, Senator Eshinlokun-Sanni said Lagos is critical to the blue economy, noting that the Senate Committee on Marine Transport is visiting Lagos State because 70 percent of the activities in the sector take place in Lagos.
He said some of the challenges to the growth and development of the blue economy in Nigeria like non state actors, illegal collectors and ocean surge issues should be addressed immediately.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 OCTOBER 2023
President Tinubu Condoles House of Representatives, Sokoto State Government over Member’s Death
President Bola Tinubu has sent messages of sympathy and condolences to the leadership and members of the House of Representatives over the tragic death of a lawmaker representing Isa/Sabon Birni federal constituency of Sokoto State, Hon. Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga.
Hon. Danbuga died in the early hours of Wednesday following a brief illness.
President Tinubu said the death had created a void in his immediate family and robbed the people of his constituency of quality and uncompromising representation in the House of Representatives.
“His victory at the polls was, in itself, a testimony that he was loved by his people. He earned their respect. I understand that he had been providing effective representation for his constituents in the House.
“I offer my condolences to his family and constituents, as well as the people and government of Sokoto State. I also condole with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the entire membership over the devastating loss of an eminent colleague,” he said.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of late Hon. Danbuga and for divine comfort to his family.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Hails Deacon David Gbenebichie on 100th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Deacon (Prince) David Smart Gbenebichie on the momentous occasion of his 100th birthday, on October 12, 2023.
The President commends the Centenarian on his illustrious career in the public service, which spanned over 32 years, and took him to the highest echelons of the bureaucracy as a Director in the Federal Civil Service, ultimately culminating in his retirement in April 1984.
As a descendant of the Ororoh Dynasty in the Okpe Kingdom and the Crown Prince Omateye Akengbuwa of the Warri Kingdom, the President recognizes Gbenebichie’s unwavering commitment to family, community, and societal values.
Born on October 12, 1923, in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area of present-day Delta State, Deacon Gbenebichie (JP), nicknamed “Young King David” due to his active involvement in the Lord’s vineyard, received his education both in Nigeria and abroad.
The celebrant is recognized as a pioneer in the establishment of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Nigerian Public Service.
President Tinubu, while expressing gratitude to God for blessing Deacon Gbenebichie with the gift of longevity, also commends his exemplary lifestyle that has always been defined by discipline, focus, love, and community service.
The President joins family, friends and the people of Warri Kingdom in celebrating this exceptional man and wishes him more years in good health and happiness.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership Across the Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Sectors
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new and returning Chief Executives to fresh terms in office across multiple agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy:
(1) EVC / CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) — Aminu Maida
(2) MD / CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) — Nkechi Egerton-Idehen
(3) DG / CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) — Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
(4) National Commissioner / CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) — Dr. Vincent Olatunji
(5) Postmaster General / CEO, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) — Tola Odeyemi
Furthermore, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s determination to maximally leverage on Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion, the President has approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser to the President.
Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy — Idris Alubankudi
By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2023
President Tinubu Celebrates Methodist Emeritus Makinde at 80
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The President joins the Makinde family, friends, and the Christian community in celebrating a man of unwavering faith, whose ministry has been characterised by a profound commitment to advancing the values of love, selflessness, and social justice, which are so deeply embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Nigerian leader recalled that as a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and leader of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Prelate Makinde, under the guidance of divine wisdom, contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of Christians under his care and also achieved remarkable milestones in promoting unity within the body of believers, even as he advanced inter-faith dialogue between Nigerians of all faiths.
President Tinubu commends Prelate Emeritus Makinde for his unfailing devotion to the Church, as well as his commitment to the progress and unity of the nation.
He further acknowledges the wise counsel that the beloved celebrant has provided to those in authority, in addition to his fervent prayers for the country.
As family members, friends and members of the Christian community gather today in reverence and gratitude to God in celebration of this distinguished man of faith, President Tinubu prays that Prelate Emeritus Makinde’s ministry will continue to be a blessing to those in need of pastoral care and support, and to the entire nation.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 10, 2023
President Tinubu Directs Immediate Action Plan To Tackle Flooding
*As Kogi Gov chairs committee, To submit report in 7 days
Moved by the need to stem the tide of an impending flood crisis across the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of any disaster.
To this effect, he has appointed Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as chairman of the committee to produce a road map by harmonising the recent National Economic Council (NEC) report on flood, the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as well as all other national reports on flood.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will serve as vice chairman of the committee which is expected to submit its recommendations in seven days.
At an emergency meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the behest of the President today, President Tinubu gave marching orders to the committee for an action plan on all the reports, saying it was best to be proactive than to be reactive.
“Based on the submissions by the DG of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the situation is not that terrible but to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The submissions by the other relevant stakeholders are equally poignant and we can’t afford to take chances.
“Though the situation is not as bad as we might think, we need to set up a committee so that the report of the Presidential Committee and the 2022 Federal Executive Council – approved broad preparedness plan should be harmonised and implemented immediately,” the Vice President stated the President’s position.
VP Shettima noted that a feasible roadmap would address the flood crisis in Nigeria, adding that responsibilities would be shouldered by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Federal Government.
He stated: “I deliberately invited the NEDC and NDDC so that with whatever resources that NEMA has, they have to be released to the states so that they can start making preparations for any eventuality.
“Based on the Presidential directive, I will meet with the Chief Executives of the NEDC and NDDC for states that are under their coverage. There should be interventions from them. For NEDC they can take care of Taraba, Bauchi and Adamawa. For NDDC, they can take care of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River . For states like Ebonyi, Kogi and Benue, we will mobilise from our savings and deploy same to assist them. We have to share responsibilities and hence the immediate need for the roadmap to be implemented”.
The Chief Executives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), National Water Resources Institute, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) all made presentations with reactions from Governors of Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi and Cross River States. Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa State Governors were represented by their Deputies.
Other members of the committee include Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of State for Environment, Kunle Salako; Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Chief Executives of NEMA,NIWA and NiHSA, among others.
The Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, will serve as secretary of the committee.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
(Office of the Vice President)
10th October, 2023
Congratulations
Omo-Agege To Osanebi On His Birthday: You Are A Bold Change Agent