News From Nigeria
Community leaders in Delta State on Friday denounced the new height of perfidy in the Niger Delta region.
‘’Leaders of the Sapele Okpe Community recently embarked on a campaign of name calling and misinformation’’
They also accused the Sapele Okpe community leaders of concocting lies about the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.
‘’ Their reference to the Alema of Warri, an administrative chief of Abigborodo, Ugbekoko and several riverine communities in Warri North and Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, is defamatory and grossly disrespectful’’.
In a response to the vicious campaign of falsehood of Chief Onoriode Temiagin, Mr Azan Friday and other members of the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu Communities, the notable Itsekiri leaders described the calls for the removal of the Special Adviser to the governor of Delta State on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution by the Sapele Okpe Community as baseless.
‘’A night to the visit to locus in quo, SEPLAT energy in collaboration with the Sapele Okpe Community concocted a narrative of false claim of intelligence that there might be armed conflict with a view of preventing the visit of the committee to cover up the obvious facts. When they failed in that ploy, SEPLAT decided to avoid the joint visit. Instead of acting neutral in this investigation, they are fully in league with the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities as they were seen in a sea truck boat belonging to SEPLAT together, even when the takeoff point of the visit was well communicated and it was Abigborodo Jetty and the area of investigation is the SEPLAT DREDGING SITE, the communities of Abigborodo, Obotie and other surrounding communities and SEPLAT operational base. This visit by the investigation committee could be done with or without parties. They may even choose not to visit and rely on the visitation report of DSS and the inter-ministerial investigation committee that had physically visited. No matter how it is seen, the visitation had all parties and could not be labeled as biased’’.
The Itsekiri leaders in a press statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary of Abigborodo Management Committee, Hon Misan Ukubeyinje, ESQ and Mr Victor Atseponu in Abigborodo accused the Sapele Okpe Community leaders of trying to cause confusion and breakdown of law and order in Delta State.
‘’All issues surrounding the Okpe Sobo forest reserve have been settled, and the decisions have been gazetted in Government White Paper Official Document No. 1 of 2021. Their claim of incursion into the forest reserve is baseless as they have no land in the reserve. However, what is in contention here is the area of Operations of SEPLAT particularly the new area of drilling which the state peace building and conflict resolution is investigating. What is the Business of Sapele Okpe Community in the riverine areas bordering Abigborodo, Obotie and Ugbekoko communities? It is also unbelievable that Ugbukurusu which is over 15 kilometers away is laying claim of ownership in Areas of land in Abigborodo, land surrounded by Abigborodo, Obotie, Ugbekoko and Aja-Okotie’’.
The notable Itsekiri leaders urged the Executive Governor of Delta State to ignore and discountenance the false cry of wolves by the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’We as a community, the bonafide owner of the land and Host Community to SEPLAT WEST LTD by all intents and purposes are prepared and ready for any other visit as the features, land, water and distance of our community to SEPLAT remain constant and we know the result of all visitation and even subsequent visitation to the Area in contention will remain the same, come rain or sun’’.
They also urged the Governor of Delta State and all well-meaning Deltans to disregard the content of the press statement of the Sapele Okpe Community and allow the investigation of Chief Edwin Uzor, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and his team to do their job without fear, favour or interference.
‘’Abigborodo community from time immemorial are owners of land covering Area of operations of Seplat including Ugbekoko Community housing Seplat jetty, several oil wells, the flow stations and virtually all the drilling locations of SEPLAT WEST LIMITED. The Abigborodo Community had made several entreaties to SEPLAT to be recognized as Host Community all to no avail. While the agitation was ongoing, SEPLAT decided to enter into other areas of our land to commence preparation for new oil wells. We brought it to the notice and urged them to recognize us as the Host Community and stop the illegal trespass into our land. In response, SEPLAT claimed we are the only impacted community, not the Host Community. Upon our refusal to accept the impacted community unknown to the Petroleum necessitated, our consequent action”
Similarly, leadership of Ugbekoko Community of Delta State at the weekend said the defence being put up by the Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community, Chief Onoriode Temiagin that Ugbekoko land belongs to Sapele Okpe Community because of a market built there lacked merit.
‘’This is the stock in trade to claim land by any means. Their illegal incursion into our land with the connivance of SEPLAT will be resisted forcefully within the ambit of the laws of our land’’
The leadership of Ugbekoko community in a statement said virtually all petroleum upstream operations of SEPLAT Sapele West Limited were in Ugbekoko land.
‘’This includes the flow station, jetty, well heads, pipeline and the new drilling site subject of the investigation arising from protests of Abigborodo, Obotie and Ugbekoko communities’’.
The statement signed by Henry Mabamue, Chairman, Sunday Omalor, Secretary and Rieco Tsoluwa, Public Relations Officer of Ugbekoko Community Management Committee challenged the claim of bias raised by the Sapele Okpe Community on the visit to the locus in quo by the Chief Edwin Uzor led committee.
‘’The leadership of Sapele Okpe, Ugbukurusu and representatives of SEPLAT were together in a sea truck boat during the visit. They deliberately decided to go on their own voyage. Their request for the removal of Chief Uzor and his team is a ploy to cow the investigation panel and call on the involvement of the Executive Governor of Delta State to their favour against the truth’’.
The leaders urged the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ignore calls by the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities for the removal of Chief Edwin Uzor and his team.
‘’They never wanted the panel to visit and see for themselves the true state of affairs. We as a community are ready and prepared to be part of any other visit that may be scheduled in the course of this investigation’’.
Particularly, the leaders threw back the challenge at the Sapele Okpe Community to check its records and be specific on the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve.
‘’The Sapele Okpe Community do not have any land in the Okpe Sobo forest reserve as the 1,200 hectares cutout released to them sold by them to CEDDI Corporation Limited. The said Judicial Commission of Enquiry found out that CEDDI Corporation Limited attempted to lay claim in excess of the 1,200 hectares by another 760.63 hectares vide a gazette legal Notice No 18 of 2005 purporting to amend the survey description in DSLN of 1999 which de reserved 1,200 hectares to Sapele Okpe Community. This was done in tacit connivance of the people/leadership of Sapele Okpe Community.
According to Ugbekoko leaders, the said judicial commission of enquiry found and made pronouncement on the failure of the oil companies operating in Ugbekoko land to pay royalties to Ugbekoko Community, the owners of the land.
‘’This raises the question, having ceded all lands given to them, where lies claim of lands in and around the forest reserves by the Sapele Okpe Community? The Judicial Commission of Enquiry actually mandated the state Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and the State Advisory Council to investigate the matter. From the decision of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve contained in the white paper, the visitation of Chief Edwin Uzor led peace building and conflict resolution team is legally authorized to carry out the investigation even without the prompting of any interested party be it SEPLAT or Abigborodo Community’’.
The leaders said ‘’the existence of Ugbekoko predates the advent of the Okpe Sobo forest reserve referred to then as the Ukpe Sobo native administration Reserve Constituted by Order No 33 of 1933 during the rule of the British administration in Nigeria’’.
‘’We are descendants of Aribiowu from IFON who migrated to the farm and found the Ekoko Farm fertile enough. The said farm was given to him by the Abigborodo people through a lease agreement dated 24th May 1913 executed by Pa Edun and Okomama on behalf of Abigborodo Community. When Ugbekoko was forcefully included in the Okpe Sobo Forest reserve without the notice of our fore-fathers and the Abigborodo people, the head lessors, it was the effort of Chief Okonedo, the then Alema of Warri who engaged the British Administration with several letters that caused the release from the forest reserve by the Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo forest reserve and given effect to by the Delta State Government in the consequential white paper’’.
They also stressed the efforts of their landlords that tremendously assisted in the discharge of farmers arrested and charged to court for farming on the forest reserve without authority of the administration of the forest reserve.
‘’We further state that the Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry investigated the case of force and legal encroachment of Ugbekoko land by the Sapele Okpe Community and indeed Oton people”
In the same vein, top leaders of the Obotie Community on Monday denounced the contention made recently by the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities in Delta State.
‘’The Government white paper on the report of judicial panel of enquiry into the Okpe Urhobo (Okpe Sobo) Forest Reserve and other ancillary matter relating to deserved portion(s) and encroachment, the panel held that Sapele Okpe Community claim of the ownership of the Okpe Urhobo (Ukpe Sobo) Forest Reserve cannot be substantiated as several communities were living in the Area prior to its constitution and some of these communities were not of Sapele Okpe extraction and they exercised acts of ownership over the land they occupied’’.
They also condemned the horrifying distortions of the exploration area, cheap blackmail, vituperations, name calling and attack by the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’This is just to disrupt the peaceful resolution process that culminated in the inspection/assessment/visits to affected areas. Representatives of the Sapele Okpe Community, Ugbukurusu and SEPLAT were seen in boat during the visitation that was conducted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on peace building and conflict resolution. The sack calls made by Chief Onoriode Temiagin is not only laughable but an attempt to shift the goal post in the middle of a match as there is no justifiable reason to make such calls. The question that begs for an answer is whether Obotie Community is within the 5 (kilometres radius to the exploration area’’
In a statement titled: Re-press briefing granted by one Chief Onome Temiagin (Chairman, Sapele Okpe Community), one Mr Azan Friday (Chairman, Ugbukurusu Community) and others, crass display of ignorance, hogwash and their unrepentant nature of peddling lies – setting the record straight, the Obotie leaders said Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his co-travellers spoke from ignorance when they ascribed exclusive ownership of the Okpe Sobo Forest reserve to the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’We make bold to say that the Obotie Community is among the communities that are not of Okpe extraction but have been in the Okpe Sobo forest reserve prior to the constitution of the reserve. The legal status of Obotie People as it concerns the ownership of Obotie Community is casted in gold from time immemorial and has been given judicial approval in the ear 1925 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Muwunum vs Achydoma in suit No MW/452/53 BETWEEN Jewiragba& Co vs Jonomi. The court further ticked the judicial scale in favour of Obotie people as it concerns the ownership of Obotie Community’’.
The statement was signed by Pa Simeon Brikinn, Chairman, Pa Peter Ogholaja, Vice Chairman, Mr George Facah, Secretary of Obotie Elders Council, Engr. Samuel Atiwe, Chairman, and Hon Fanemigho, Secretary, Obotie Management Council.
The leaders accused the Sapele Okpe Community leaders of peddling lies.
‘’It is not in our nature to reply neither is it our character to glorify crass display of ignorance, hogwash, inordinate narrations and unrepentant attitude of lies peddling that were ignobly displayed by Chief Onoriode Temiagin and others but it is charitable to educate members of the public hence it becomes imperative to set the record straight as it concerns the stentorian lies and sinister narratives that were copiously repeated in the said press briefing’’.
The Itsekiri leaders came out heavily on the Okpe communities for the unjustifiable, reckless, inordinate and senseless attacks melted on the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on peace building and conflict resolution and his team.
‘’These nefarious actions are not new to us. A typical example is the inability of Ugbukurusu Community to open her defense for more than 14 (fourteen) years in a trespass suit that was filed against her (Ugbukurusu Community) by Obotie Community. Instead, the Ugbukurusu Community has been resorting to physical attacks, trying to make the case to start denovo and other immature displays of technicalities’’.
They described the Okpe Sapele Community as a casual blackboard for juvenile graffiti.
‘’The Special Adviser to the governor have been unbiased and true to an amiable peaceful resolution that represent the true state of things as they affect SEPLAT operations and the impact they have on all impacted communities hence Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his people resorted to playing shenanigans even when the report on the investigation is not yet out’’.
They also frowned at the attempt of Okpe leaders to foist their position on SEPLAT.
‘’The Sapele Okpe Community in league with SEPLAT have been hatching and orchestrating all sorts of sinister plans to undermine the Obotie Community from getting her benefits as a community that is impacted by the activities of SEPLAT. SEPLAT has recruited the leadership of the Sapele Okpe Community to frustrate the innocuous and legal claims of Obotie Community hence this kind of ill motivated press briefing that is credited to Chief Onoriode Temiagin and is likes’’.
Particularly, the top Itsekiri leaders accused the Sapele Okpe Community of spreading falsehood.
‘’Another question that begs for an answer is how did Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his like become spokespersons for SEPLAT that warrants making submission for SEPLAT? Again, these exhibit heinous conspiracy between Sapele Okpe Community and SEPLAT to deprive Obotie Community from her legal rights, privileges and benefits that are accruable to her as her impacted community to SEPLAT operations’’.
They also called for the protection of Governor Oborevwori against the oppression of the leadership of Sapele Okpe Community and Sapele Local Government Area.
‘’At this point, we are passionately requesting the protection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori against the oppression of both the leadership of Sapele Okpe Community and that of Sapele.
The leaders implored the public in General and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ignore the ignorable, callous, sinister and reckless narratives and allegations that are being peddled by Sapele Okpe Community
‘’Just like our ancestors before us, we are determined and in our righteous might, we shall continue to defend the Obotie Community which is our Ancestral Home from the likes of SEPLAT and the Sapele Okpe Community. Chief Onoriode Temiagin subtle threat of war is not new to us as Obotie Community has been a victim of a collective onslaught and aggressions that were poured on our community by premeditated and combined forces of the entire Sapele Okpe Community. The Obotie Community survived it and we will continue to defend the Obotie Community with legal means within the ambit of the law.
‘’These ignoble calls that are credited to Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his group of warmongers bring to mind the judgement of king Solomon as it concerns the biblical story of the two women laying claims to a living baby as posted in 1 Kings 3: 16-28. Chief Onoriode Temiagin and others have forgotten that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a governor of, by and for all Deltans and not a governor for, by and of the Okpe people. Chief Onoriode Temiagin lacks the capacity to drag the exalted Office of Governor of Delta State into petty tribal/ethnic tension as the Governor is a father of all Deltans and all tribes in Delta State. We are confident that His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will not act on the utterance of Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his likes who are behaving like football players who are anticipating defect to a stronger team’ ’the statement added.
FOUNDATION CELEBRATES LAMONDE OGHENEKEVWE EBIRERI
The Ebireri Foundation on Thursday highlighted the unique perspective of first-rate writer, Monday Oghenekevwe Ebireri, to a variety of issues in the intellectual world.
‘’Monday Oghenekevwe Ebireri was healthy and had the posture of a man whose future was assured. Sadly, that future was cut on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 19; 00 hours. The cold hands of death snatched him at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital shortly after a ghastly auto crash along Benin-Sagamu Expressway at the age of 42’’.
The foundation also praised Monday Ebireri for his kindness, wisdom, profound reading and simplicity of his thoughts and explanation.
‘’The late historian and journalist was immensely gifted in practical matters. He was also deep and blessed with high intelligence’’
The Ebireri Foundation in a statement in Sagamu celebrated his good deeds, good works and good thoughts.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Ebireri Foundation, Henry Ovie Ebireri, praised Monday Ebireri for his exciting sense of humour, sound character and integrity.
The statement also applauded the highly respected reporter in Nigeria for pushing the family in the right direction. .
The foundation said Monday Ebireri made beautiful contributions towards the advancement of knowledge and people in Nigeria and abroad.
Born in Sapele into a Christian family, Lamonde Ebireri attended St Peter’s Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, James Welch Grammar School, Emevor and College of Arts and Science, Sokoto. Thereafter, he attended University of Benin.
Fondly called Lamonde, the man from a distinguished family of bright minds, began his journalism career with The Guardian.
He was laid to rest on Friday, January 26, 2007 in his hometown of Igbimidaka-Elume in Sapele Local Government Area.
Former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on Monday earned huge commendation for inspiring the people, creating a paradigm shift in humanitarian activism in Nigeria and maintaining cordial relationship with the traditional institution across the country.
‘’You are a man of great integrity and a rare gift to the fatherland. As a governor, you encouraged women participation in politics, promoted the rights and welfare of minors, built bridges of hope and created an enabling environment for sustainable development. You showed uncommon commitment and patriotism on issues bordering on the Niger Delta region and its development’’.
He was also applauded for embarking on massive construction of roads and bridges, creating special economic zones and industrial clusters, constructing modern markets, building Asaba International Airport and expanding the Osubi Airstrip.
‘’You touched on the lives of several Deltans especially by your free healthcare programme for pregnant women and children, scholarship scheme for students, micro credit and agricultural schemes. You restored peace in Warri and environs and took action that supported Nigeria’s crude oil production. The increased oil and gas production is to some extent a result of your peace and security initiatives’’.
In a statement on the joyous occasion of the ex-governor’s 70th birthday and his achievements, the Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, described the former governor as ‘’a peace promoter and a bridge builder’’.
‘’You delivered on your three-point agenda: peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development of the state’’.
He also described his 8-year tenure as the executive governor of Delta State as glorious and memorable.
‘’You opened a new vista for commercial and economic prosperity of the state, demonstrated unusual knack in the pursuit of education in Delta State, expanded the frontiers of the dividend of democracy to the people and encouraged citizens to embrace entrepreneurship skills. You ensured a sound culture of accountability, invested in electricity and housing and provided cheap, comfortable and affordable means of transportation’’
Alema of Warri who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies highlighted the ex-governor’s impact as Commissioner for Health.
‘’As Commissioner for Health, you made a mark that cannot be rivaled. You constructed and upgraded several health centres, provided special rehabilitation funds for hospitals across the state and established remarkable industrial peace in the sector through improved welfare packages. No progress-loving person can deny your character of discipline, integrity and passionate commitment to the sector.
The Warri High Chief emphasized Uduaghan’s administrative experience and political sagacity.
‘’As Secretary to the State Government, you left your name in gold. You brought your vision and vast experience to bear on the purpose-driven administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Indeed, you did the job with dignity, grace and generosity of spirit’’
He also underscored the ex-governor’s natural tendency for open door policy and participatory management style.
‘’You deserve to be honoured for your unique ability, uncommon administrative ingenuity, the work that you did for the people of Delta State and the example you set for Nigeria. You deserve to be celebrated for your vision, forthrightness, sophisticated bearing and knack for solving the most complicated problems. You also deserve to be celebrated for your exemplary leadership, immense contributions to humanity and the good name that you built for the family by your excellent conduct in the private and public sector’’.
Ending the statement, Uduaghan said ‘’ On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Abigborodo, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with an astute and upright leader on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday and I pray to Almighty God to protect him, grant him more wisdom, strength and good health to continue to serve mankind’’
We are confident of Okpebholo’s victory – Edo Leaders
Notable personalities in Edo State, including leaders of ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen and past political appointees on Saturday resolved to build a united front for the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Edo is urgently in need of salvation, purposeful leadership and efficient government. Eight years of wasted opportunities are enough. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a shining example of honesty, humility and quality leadership and will make Edo great, steer the ship of state back to the path of rectitude and progress’’
They also declared that “it will be a victory for APC in the September 21 Governorship Election.
“The September 21 governorship election is about the future of our state. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity, enhance development and promote good governance. Our support for Senator Monday Okpebholo is total and we are quite confident and ready for the election” the leaders said.
Arising from a meeting in Uromi, the leaders explained that the issue of winning the September 21 election is already a foregone conclusion.
“A vote for APC is a vote for progressive policies, high management capacity and vision for serious challenges besetting the state. It is also a vote for upgrading the state’s infrastructure, creating larger space for small and medium- sized business, investing in education, healthcare, transportation, housing and urban development, upholding the rule of law, improving the living conditions of the needy, protecting our communities and offering more opportunities for our young people”
A statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Political Congress (EPC), Dr Joshua Eboigbe said Okpebholo has the personal gravitas and organizational support to take the state to the next level.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is effective, knowledgeable, consistent and open to dialogue. He will spread employment opportunities across the state, shape our state for the better, ensure economic growth for all and greater transparency in public life and accelerate the social, political and economic development of the state.
The prominent men and women noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate.
‘’The PDP lacks the justification and moral standing to continue in office. It has been an era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises’’
The cheerful leaders said the plans to take over the state leadership cannot be deterred by the power of incumbency.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of character and competence, has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. He will invest in farmers, attract local and foreign investors, promote an environment of enduring peace, progress and development, provide meaningful, sustainable and dignified employment to the youth, defuse social conflicts and give a sense of belonging to the various ethnic groups through the enthronement of political and economic justice”.
They said Okpebholo’s quest is to redeem the state.
‘’Now, more than before, Edo State needs quality and focused leadership. Senator Okpebholo will galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy, and raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities. He will also stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper coordination and funding’’.
A notable family in the Niger Delta on Tuesday described the death of business magnate, Wilson Ebireri, as sad and painful.
Santa, as his friends and classmates, called him died early hours of Friday, July 12, just five months short of his 71st birthday.
The family of Ebireri in a statement Monday morning highlighted the late business man’s sense of humour, extraordinary intelligence and awesome memory.
‘’We are already feeling the exit of Wilson Santa Ebireri but our consolation is that he lived a good life and left many things to gleam from – all for the betterment of the family’’
The statement released in Sapele by Henry Ovie Ebireri underscored late Wilson Ebireri’s hobbies in reading, music, football and movie.
It described Wilson Ebireri as a rare gem, a visionary leader and defender of family values.
The statement urged the younger generation to take a cue from the ideals that Wilson Ebireri lived for- building a united family.
“As a family head, Wilson Santa Ebireri demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess. The good people of Sapele will certainly miss him. We will certainly miss this quiet and unassuming man on so many fronts” the statement said.
‘’Christian Service of Songs will take place at his residence, 2 Ikomi Road, Sapele on Thursday, September 19 while the graveside service and interment will take place at Ebireri’s Marford Close home on Friday, September 20, 2024.
He left behind his brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, wife, children and grandchildren.
*MAY 8, 2024.*
Dear Esteemed Okpe Leaders,
I am coming to you on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, and members of the Union in Nigeria and the Diaspora. The purpose of this Open Letter is to seek your intervention in the ongoing schism between HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, and the democratically elected leadership of the Okpe Union. Some of you may be familiar with certain portions of this Open Letter, whose inclusion is for the benefit of those seeing them for the first time.
As is well known by all of you, the Okpe Union was established by a group of young Okpe nationals based in Lagos, on May 16, 1930. It is the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945. From its inception in 1930, the Okpe Union launched a campaign for the restoration of the Okpe Kingdom, irrespective of the opposition of several influential Okpe leaders who were apprehensive about the likelihood of our having another dictatorship akin to the rule of HRM Esezi l. It was not until 1943 that these apprehensive Okpe leaders acquiesced to the demands of the Okpe Union for the resuscitation of the Okpe monarchy, after the Sapele land case which got to the West African Court of Appeal (WACA). It is an incontrovertible fact that the Okpe Union birthed the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era that produced HRM Esezi ll (1945 – 1966); HRM Orhoro l (1972-2004); and HRM Orhue l (2006 – present). Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Monarchy was restored in January 1945 after an interregnum of almost 200 years. Since its inception the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the socio-economic and political development of the Okpe Nation. It is the umbrella organization and mouth piece of the Okpe people. Its role at the coronation of HRM Orhue l is well documented.
*Introduction.*
The Okpe Union is a membership based organization with a Constitution that defines its administration and autonomy. It relies on membership dues, fees, and donations to execute its projects for the benefit of the Okpe Nation. The Okpe Union has provided a voice for the Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria.
Like most organizations, the Constitution of the Okpe Union contains mechanisms for conflict resolution, without the interference of a non-member. Though the Orodje of Okpe is considered a Patron of the Okpe Union by tradition, he possesses neither the power nor authority to interfere in or seize the administration of the Okpe Union. This has been the recognized rule observed by all Orodjes since 1945, including HRM Orhue l, until the latter purportedly dissolved the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union led by Okakuro Robert Onome on October 3, 2020, and appointed an illegal interim national executive of 9 members, led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor. It is significant to note that the purported dissolution occurred barely 42 days to the Annual General Assembly, as scheduled by NEC, to take place on November 14, 2020 at the Okpe Hall, Sapele. The Palace instructed the leadership of the Sapele Okpe Community to deny the Okpe Union access to the Okpe Hall.
*Attempts at a Peaceful Resolution.*
Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions.
Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdrew the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged and withdrew the case accordingly. However, immediately we withdrew the case from court, the Palace wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the illegal Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC recognition. It was therefore obvious that the intention of the Orodje-imposed illegal Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to de-recognise the democratically elected NEC and the legitimate Okpe Union leadership. Faced with this treachery, and having before us a subsisting resolution of the General Assembly of the Okpe Union that the NEC should seek legal redress if mediation fails, we elected to lodge a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos. HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as joint defendants in the case.
To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja to appoint an illegal Board of Trustees, without disclosing to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High Court on the same subject. Furthermore, we had already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with a similar prayer much earlier known to the CAC, the Orodje and the illegal Interim Executive Committee. They surreptitiously acquired a new certificate of incorporation for the Okpe Union with the Board of Trustees which they got through the back door; an issue that we dealt with immediately.
Regarding our substantive case that was lodged in the Federal High Court, Lagos, the Judge, on January 19, 2023, declared the imposed interim Executive Council led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor illegal and ordered a perpetual injunction restraining them, their privies and those who derive any powers from them from acting or parading themselves as the national leadership of the Okpe Union. The Judgement affirmed the autonomy of the Okpe Union, and declared that the Orodje has no authority to interfere in the administration of the Okpe Union.
On April 30, 2024, the Federal High Court, Abuja vacated its earlier order granted to the illegal Interim executive of the Okpe Union to appoint its Board of Trustees, that organized the election of Okakuro Joseph Aboze’s illegal executive that succeeded Prof. Idolor’s illegal interim executive. The ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja effectively nullified the pretence of the Okakuro Aboze led illegal executive committee. We recognize the lamentation of Okakuro Aboze and his cohorts, when he disclosed at the Okakuro Oghenevworo Jemikalajah Peace Meeting of August 9, 2023, that his illegal executive had presented to the Palace their resolution that they would abide by the judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos of January 19, 2023, and step aside, which the Orodje rejected by promising them that the Palace had the resources to pursue an appeal to its logical conclusion. We question the strategic intent of the Palace to want to elongate the court process instead of lending support to the Okpe Union in building a united Okpe Nation to benefit the Okpe people.
*Consequences of Continued Schism.*
Okpe Nation is renowned as an organised and law abiding people. A disregard for the Rule of Law is injurious to the socio-economic and political development of any society, including the Okpe Nation. This can lead to a break-down of law and order and intra-communal confrontations.
This schism has halted the implementation of several projects designed to benefit Okpe nationals and Okpe Nation. It has also diminished the status of Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria. The proclamation of Okpe as the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State is rendered obsolete without a powerful Okpe Union to articulate and defend Okpe interests at state and national levels. Okpe Identity is the obvious victim in this prolonged schism.
*Concluding Remarks.*
We believe in a bright future for Okpe Nation; a future with great opportunities for growth and development that will benefit Okpe nationals. We believe that this can be facilitated by a united front of the Okpe Nation ably represented by a powerful Okpe Union and a ceremonial fatherly role of the Orodje. We therefore appeal to you all to persuade HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, to dissolve the factional executive led by Okakuro Joseph Aboze and withdraw from the court cases. As stated in our letter to the Orodje immediately after the May 15, 2021 election that produced the current National Executive Council of the Okpe Union that I am privileged to lead, we are ready to cooperate with the Udogun Okpe and HRM Orhue I to have a way out of the differences based on the Rule of Law and the autonomy of the Okpe Union.
*Long live the Okpe Nation!*
*Long live the Okpe Union!*
*Long live the Orodje of Okpe!*
6th May, 2024.
RESPONSE OF ABOZE TO THE ABUJA FHC RULING NULLIFYING THE BACKDOOR BOT FOR THE OKPE UNION: LET THE ILLEGAL FACTION STOP DISGRACING THE OKPE NATION.*
*PRESS RELEASE*
The National Executive Council of the Okpe Union was seized this morning (being 6th of May, 2024) of the response of Okakuro Joseph Aboze (who still illegally parades himself as President General of the Okpe Union) to the Federal High Court Ruling vacating its earlier order which effectively nullified the Dick Gberevbie and Austin Ayemidejor led illegal Board of Trustees. Aboze’s response was titled “RE: ABUJA FEDERAL HIGH COURT RULING VACATING AN ORDER GRANTED THE INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE OKPE UNION”.
We shall quote verbatim below part of Okakuro Aboze’s reaction signed by him so as to lay it bare for an objective analysis. Hear Aboze on behalf of the illegal faction below:
“… The court in its ruling says, that “the pleadings at the Federal High Court Abuja are the same as what has been pleaded at the Federal High Court Lagos”.
He continues: “This ruling comes after the ruling in Lagos that had been appealed since 2023. It is crucial to note that the Orodje In Council did not and never dissolved the Executive Committee of the Okpe Union led by Prof. Igho Natufe. This clarification became necessary because the case which is on appeal came up as a result of misunderstanding of how the system works…”
The legitimate National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe hereby responds as follows to Joseph Aboze’s most uninformed position quoted above.
*Conclusion*
How can any sane persons accept the lawlessness being displayed by Messrs Joseph Aboze, Kings Iriri, Jackson Amererhorone and their allies who still illegally parade themselves as the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union? The stay of execution application which the losers at the Federal High Court, Lagos filed is yet to be heard by the court yet they continue parading themselves unlawfully.
It is time for stakeholders of the Okpe Nation to call these persons to order. Contempt of court sanctions are not a panacea for law and order and good governance in any polity. Let Aboze and his gang stop disgracing the Okpe Nation.
Long live the Okpe Nation!
Long live the Okpe Union!
Long live the Orodje of Okpe!
*Signed:*
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.*, General Secretary, Okpe Union.
…………………………………………………………………………
Dear Okpe Compatriots,
On behalf of a group of dedicated Okpe Nationals, I am pleased to inform you of the establishment of the *_CENTRE FOR OKPE STUDIES LTD/GTE_*, which has been duly registered and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to undertake the following functions, inter alia:
A Management Committee shall handle the affairs of the *_Centre_* while an Editorial Board shall oversee the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*. They will contribute their personal resources and seek external funds for the execution of the projects of the Centre. The activities of the Centre include the hosting of an annual or biennial conference on *_OKPE HISTORY AND SOCIETY_*, the publication of its quarterly *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*, and the
+ organization of workshops and seminars on topical issues of Okpe History, Language, Culture, and Economic Development, etc. In due course members of both the Management Committee of the *_Centre_* and the Editorial Board of the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_* shall be announced.
For further information on the *_Centre_*, please contact Dr. Lucky Akpere at: luckyakpere@okpeunionng.net
God bless the Okpe Nation.
God bless the Okpe Union.
God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom
Prof. O. Igho Natufe
May 5, 2024
Stakeholders in the iron and steel sector in Nigeria said the major issue at stake in the sector was the investigation of Ajaokuta Steel and NIOMCO between 2008 to date.
They also said that history would be kind to President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio if they were able to investigate the activities of the moribund companies.
‘’The anti-Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan move is choreographed by the Government of Kogi State. Those ostensibly leading it are all ciphers, people who do not have the interests of Kogi people at heart. The ongoing efforts by Kogi monarchs to stop the investigation of Ajaokuta Steel Company will fail. There is no substitute for investigation’’ the Chairman of Nigerian Steel and Automotive Industry Forum, Dr Nicholas Okonkwo said in a statement Thursday.
Speaker after speaker at the 4th Ajaokuta Steel Plant Revival Summit held in Abuja disowned the traditional rulers and assured the public that President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio would ensure proper investigation of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The traditional rulers from the Ebira ethnic group in a letter to the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, urged Kogi State indigenes in the National Assembly to work for the common good of Ebiraland, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.
The letter signed by the Ohi 0f Adavi, Eganyi, Ihima, Eika and Okene, Mohammed Bello, Musa Isah Achuja, Ahmed Abdulraheem, Umar Opewu and Isah Mamman maintained that the issue of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe must be handled with caution and statesmanship.
The quest for the resuscitation must begin with a holistic investigation of the circumstances that led to the re-concession of NIOMCO even when the initial concession agreement was validly terminated by the YarAdua administration with positive review by the International Chamber of Commerce, London.
Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is working for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. She recently moved a motion to investigate alleged corruption and inefficiency at the moribund companies.
The stakeholders are pushing for the investigation of the payment of $496 allegedly made to Mr Pramod Mittal, Chairman, Global Infrastructural Holdings LTD (GINL) by the Federal Government in September 2022 as settlement over said contractual disputes.
They are calling for a review of extant policies and laws on steel development in Nigeria, dissolution of the sole administratorship of Ajaokuta Steel Company and promotion of good corporate governance, efficiency and accountability by constituting a proper management and governing board for the company.
They want a structure that should comprise but not limited to a Managing Director, Director of Projects, Director of Finance, Director of Corporate Services with representatives from professional bodies such as society of engineers, Nigerian Metallurgical Society and representatives from supervising ministries of finance and steel and of course Host Community.
However, the monarchs urged the legislators to show responsiveness and collaboration.
‘’’Our position therefore is that our legislators must cooperate with the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, the management of the two companies and stakeholders to come up with workable positions and ideas that would strengthen the hand of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Plant works ‘’
The traditional custodians of the people of Kogi Central and Ebiraland listed massive employment generation for our teaming youths, technological breakthrough and economic emancipation as obvious benefits of the resuscitation and completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.
They recalled the bold steps of President Muhammadu Buhari, urging President Tinubu to consider it a priority to revisit the twin Ajaokuta and Itakpe projects.
‘’The history of these companies in our land has seen glory and trepidation. The best of the moments were between 1979 and 83 during the era of Late President Shehu Shagari, whose government took the project from scratch to a near completion stage in record time. His administration showed commitment and carried everybody along and capped it up with the creation of a separate ministry of steel development and the appointment of Late Mamman Ali Makele, an indigene of the state as Minister, a decision that made policy implementation on issues related to the development of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company easier and efficient. This is why we have a place we now call a steel plant, though left uncompleted forty years down the line’’.
They also commended Tinubu on his development strides, restoration of the Steel Development Ministry and appointment of an indigene of Kogi State to drive its efforts in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
‘’The new policy initiative is commendable and needs the support of every Sons and Daughters of Ebiraland and Kogites. This period is therefore a period of collaboration of ideas, support of government initiatives on these two companies and above all it is a period to deescalate controversies that may distract the government, stakeholders and would be investors that may show interest in helping to give life to the Ajaokuta.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Monday expressed concerns about misconduct in Ajaokuta Steel Company and urged President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into reported mismanagement.
‘’If there are individuals or group of individuals protecting the corrupt managers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and hereby shielding them from any form of probe and judgement, it simply means that they are beneficiaries of the ill-gotten proceeds of the mismanagement or they have other personal interests that are not people-friendly and that are tantamount to water down or nullify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption. These set of people should also be probed. They may even be part of those used by these selfish leaders to loot the treasury of the steel company dry.’’
The student body implored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices & Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to stand their ground against every form of intimidation or shielding, as they probe and investigate mismanagement in Ajaokuta Steel Company.
‘’While the revamping of this company is going on, the probing of these culprits should aggressively continue. Both can go concurrently, and one will not affect another. As a matter of fact, the probing is an essential part of the revamping because investigators and other Stakeholders may discover in the course of probing that some bad eggs are still on the management and staff of this Steel Company. With these probes, many unveilings will take place, giving way to a holistic revitalization and resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company’’.
The umbrella body with over 50million members across the nation in a press release said those involved in the mismanagement of this company must be brought to book immediately:
‘’This is simply because if these offenders are brought to book, it will serve as a deterrent to others who are aspiring to steal from the company as soon as it starts operation again. Bringing them to book will help the company grow in the sense that the money recovered from these offenders would be pumped back into the company and it will give it a higher lift in every sense’’.
In the release signed by NANS Universal President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, GCNS, the association vowed not to back down on fights of this peculiarity, especially one that is against the tenets of financial accountability and transparency.
‘’Power intoxicates, and absolute power intoxicates absolutely. Having a Sole Administrator for the past 12 years to oversee a public and national company like Ajaokuta Steel is not good enough. This gives room to corruption in the sense that there will be no one else to check the excesses of the Sole Administrator and this may give him/her an ample chance to misuse the trust and powers given to him/her. Hence, power in this institution should be broken down to the Managing Director, Executive Director Technical Services, Executive Director Finance and other directorates for more effectiveness, accountability and productivity that will culminate in efficacious checking and balancing’’.
The association stressed the importance of addressing concerns raised by Nigerians and ensuring that no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers’ money.
‘’In as much as this company is Federal Government owned, one particular group should never claim ownership and control of it because it’s built on their land. Just the way no single tribe is laying claims to the oil in the Niger Delta and the Hydroelectric dams in Kanji and its environs, This company should be a haven of massive employment opportunities for us Nigerian Students upon graduation and it should also be a technology site where our potential engineering students all over the country could come and experience technological innovations at its peak as they aspire for greatness in the field of engineering. So, no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers’ money. This must be checkmated’’.
The association underlined Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the country.
‘’We want to sincerely appreciate H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the humongous effort he has put into the development of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, since he assumed office. From history, apart from the Shehu Shagari era, this will be the first time that this company would be having this kind of unusual support from the Federal Government. This is highly commendable. We also want to appreciate the office of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio for his huge and tireless efforts in making sure that this company comes back on its feet and deliver the purpose with which it was founded. All his efforts are seen, and they won’t go unappreciated’’.
It commended members of the National Assembly, especially Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who raised one issue or the other in support of the growth and development of the company.
‘’We believe that their efforts shall not go unrewarded and their wishes towards the progress of Ajaokuta Steel Company will come to materialization in no distant time’’.
The association highlighted the dedication of the government and the stakeholders.
‘’Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company have remained in operational, but resuscitation plans of the projects are near with the attraction of investors in topmost gear. The government and the stakeholders alike are working assiduously to see that the company comes back to life. This is a good omen for the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to flourish amidst the global economic crisis that has engulfed the world right about now.
It pointed out that individuals who brought the Ajaokuta Steel Company to this comatose are still walking the street un-investigated and unpunished.
‘’These people who have been indicted to the tune of several millions of US dollars further siphoned $496m in September 2022 through Buhari’s administration. They have neither been probed nor punished. This is not a good precedence at all and if unchecked would create an avenue for dabbling into President Tinubu’s efforts of resuscitating the steel plant’’.
‘’These individuals including past corrupt government executives denied the public, most especially the youth, the benefit of experiencing the exodus of job opportunities, technological exposure and economic emancipation that would have been massively accrued to us all these while if they had done what was expected of them. These people selfishly and callously mismanaged Ajaokuta Steel Company and grounded it with the notion that nothing will happen in the end. If acts like these go un-investigated and unpunished, what is now the tendency that after rebuilding, some other people would not come and do the same thing to loot and ground it again the umpteenth time? This should not be so’’.
NANS CALLS FOR PROBE OF MISMANAGEMENT IN AJAOKUTA STEEL COMPANY LIMITED AS ITS
RESUSCITATION CONTINUES
APPRECIATION:
The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, the umbrella body with over 50million members across the nation, wants to sincerely appreciate H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the humongous effort he has put into the development of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, since he assumed office. From history, apart from the Shehu Shagari era, this will be the first time that this company would be having this kind of unusual support from the Federal Government. This is highly commendable.
We also want to appreciate the office of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot AKPABIO, CON, for his huge and tireless efforts in making sure that this company comes back on its feet and deliver the purpose with which it was
founded. All his efforts are seen and they won’t go unappreciated.
Finally we want to thank the members of the National Assembly especially Senator Natasha Uduaghan, who raised one issue or the other in support of the growth and development of this company. We believe that their efforts shall not go unrewarded and their wishes towards the progress of Ajaokuta Steel Company will come to materialization in no distant time.
THE STATUS QUO:
Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company have remained inoperational but resuscitation plans of the projects are near with the attraction of investors in topmost gear. The government and the stakeholders alike are working assiduously to see that the company comes back to life. This is a good omen for the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to flourish amidst the global economic crisis that has engulfed the world right about now.
It is also worthy of note that the set of individuals who brought the Ajaokuta Steel Company to this comatose are still walking the street uninvestigated and unpunished. These people who have been indicted to the tune of several millions of US dollars
further siphoned $496m in September 2022 through Buhari’s administration. They have neither been probed nor punished.
This Ref No: NANS/VOL1/GA1/ A73 10 March, 2024 is not a good precedence at all and if unchecked would create an avenue for dabbling into President Tinubu’s efforts of resuscitating the steel plant.
These individuals including past corrupt government executives denied the public, most especially the youth, the benefit of experiencing the exodus of job opportunities, technological exposure and economic emancipation that would have been massively accrued to us all these while if they had done what was expected of them. They selfishly and callously mismanaged Ajaokuta Steel Company and grounded it with the notion that nothing will happen in the end. If acts like these go uninvestigated and unpunished, what is now the tendency that after rebuilding, some other people would not come and do the same thing to loot and ground it again the umpteenth time? This should not be so.
OUR STANCE AS NANS:
This is simply because if these offenders are brought to book, it will serve as a deterrent to others who are aspiring to steal from the company as soon as it starts operation again. Bringing them to book will help the company grow in the sense that the money recovered from these offenders would be pumped back into the company and it will give it a higher lift in every sense;
While the revamping of this company is going on, the probing of these culprits should aggressively continue. Both can go concurrently and one will not affect another. As a matter of fact, the probing is an essential part of the revamping because investigators and other Stakeholders may discover in the course of probing that some bad eggs are still on the management and staff of this Steel Company. With these probes, many unveilings will take place, giving way to a holistic revitalization and resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company;
Power intoxicates and absolute power intoxicates absolutely. Having a Sole Administrator for the past 12 years to oversee a public and national company like Ajaokuta Steel is not good enough. This gives room to corruption in the sense that there will be no one else to check the excesses of the Sole Administrator and this may give him/her an ample chance to misuse the trust and powers given to him/her. Hence, power in this institution should be broken down to the Managing Director, Executive Director Technical Services , Executive Director Finance and other directorates for more effectiveness, accountability and productivity that will culminate in efficacious checking and balancing; and
In as much as this company is Federal Government owned, one particular group should never claim ownership and control of it because it’s built on their land. Just the way no single tribe is laying claims to the the oil in the Niger Delta and the Hydroelectric dams in Kanji and its environs, we see no reason why the Ebira people will turn the Ajaokuta Steel Company to their personal property and would never want others to benefit from the largesse that should come with it. This company should be a haven of massive employment opportunities for us Nigerian Students upon graduation and it should also be a technology site where our potential engineering students all over the country could come and experience technological innovations at its peak as they aspire for greatness in the field of engineering. So, no single tribe, out of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria has the right to lay claim of sole ownership to this government project built from the nation’s taxpayers money. This must be checkmated.
Conclusive, if there are individuals or group of individuals protecting the corrupt managers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and hereby shielding them from any form of probe and judgement, it simply means that they are beneficiaries of the ill-gotten proceeds of the mismanagement or they have other personal interests that are not people-friendly and that are tantamount to water down or nullify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption. These set of people should also be probed. They may even be part of those used by these selfish leaders to loot the treasury of the steel company dry. The Nigerian Students are not the type to back down on fights of this peculiarity, especially one that is against the tenets of financial accountability and transparency. Hence, we implore the EFCC, ICPC and other related agencies to stand their ground against every form of intimidation or shielding, as they probe and investigate these heartless people.
SIGNED:
Comr. Lucky Emonefe, GCNS
NANS Universal President
. Tops Construction and Construction Services sector
Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Wednesday night won the largest employers‘ Award otherwise known as the prestigious Nigeria Employers‘ Consultative Association, NECA’s Construction and Construction Services sectoral Award beating every other contender in the industry.
The development, the third in the yearly series, elicited a resounding applause from the audience inside the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos venue of the event hailing the company as deserving of the Award.
According to the President of NECA, Taiwo Adeniyi in his speech, the Award is dedicated to rsilience and doggedness of Nigerian businesses, like Julius Berger who against all odds still forges ahead impactfully.
The Director General of NECA, Adewale Smart Oyerinde’s comment at the event was in tandem with that of the President. He said, the winners, and even the others are still standing doggedly doing their thing inspite of the frustrating business environment, adding, this event is occasion for us to breathe and continue to celebrate.
In announcing Julius Berger as the Winner in the sector, , NECA said “the company satisfied all criteria it employed to determine winners and were pleased beyond reasonable doubts that Julius Berger met the criteria in leadership and governance, innovation, productivity and corporate performance, effective human resources management and industrial relations practice as well as responsible business conduct. Inclusiveness and diversity, technological optimization and occupational health and safety are also some criteria employed,“ NECA concluded.
The Association expressed the hope that with the Awards, winners like Julius Berger would do more towards increasing their chances for more laurels in the future.
The President of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, CIPM; Olusegun Mojeed who presented the Award to Julius Berger added his voice to the accolades received by the ompany at the historic event. He said, “here are the winners by all standards and against all odds in line with theme of tonight’s occasion. Congratulations Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.“
For Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Chison Albert at the event, “…the Award says we are doing well and we are inpired to explore ways of doing more.“
Winners in other categories include MTN, Nigeria Bottling Company, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, Nestle and Dangote Cement among others.
The annual Employer’s Excellence Awards is an initiative of NECA geared towards promoting and encouraging best practices in corporate performance, people management and industrial relations practices in the country. NECA itself is a globally respected Business Membership Organisation registered in 1990 with its membership cutting across enterprises operating in all sectors of the economy, professional bodies and sectoral Employers‘ Association making NECA as the only representative employers‘ organisation representing the interest of Nigerian employers in the International Labour Organisation and related groups.
The Vice President, Shettima as well as invited state governors sent representatives while the ILO and several professional bodies sent goodwill messages.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc team inlcuded Performance Management Manager, Chigozie Okonkwo, Talent Management Officer, Chiamaka Emeh, Human Resource Manager, Region West, Chisom Albert and Assistant senior Liaison Officer, Emmanuel Isibor.
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has declared the multi-dimensional support given it by Nigerian media as responsible for the overwhelming positive public goodwill the organisation enjoyed in the outgoing year.
The company’s Director, Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi who made the declaration during the end of year media parley of the company in Utako Abuja said, “I wish to once again place on record your tremendous assistance in so graciously publishing and giving eloquent voice and distinctive vision to our company’s business and social activities since the year began till now.“
According to him, the shared interests in each others developmental work and pursuit made it possible, adding, “while some of our satisfied and enthusiastic clients and understandably impressed Nigerians could say, the landmark quality project delivery record of the company is responsible for the effective media reportage on Julius Berger projects and general operations across its subsidiaries, an outstanding and evident truth, however, is that our company’s contractual dedication, our commanding engineering and project management quality and our unmatched reliability in project delivery time, could not have publicised themselves without the active cooperation of you, our great media partners, correspondents, bureau chiefs, editors and publishers.“
Alhaji Bayi further said the company owes the foregoing positive development to the irreducible and highly valued understanding and cooperation of the media practitioners, adding, “… I can confidently, even proudly say, Julius Berger is about the most widely and positively reported engineering construction company in Nigeria today.“
He spoke on the idea of the company hosting the annual media parley saying that it is borne out of the company’s sincere desire to get to relate with media partners at a closer range deliberately removed from official communication channels. Bayi added that a strategy like the annual parley easily activitaes a warmer comradeship and camaraderie that further consolidates a healthy relationship, thus creating for both the Media and Julius Berger an ever progressive mutual understanding that continues to oil the good and worthy bond already established in active and enlightened furtherance of Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Moving forward, Alhaji Bayi continued, “in the context of Julius Berger’s very healthy relationship with the Press, a cursory look into the future indicates a lot of unending possibilities and opportunities that ensure to a renewed hope“ even as he expressed the hope to work with the media partners on a stronger scale than ever before, “as we together aspire for greater cooperation and a more productive and rewarding future and country.“
Institutional and Individual media practitioners at the event were clearly appreciative of the efforts of Julius Berger in relating with the press even as they pledge to continue to oil the wheel of progressive relationship with the company.
The national Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Shuaibu Usman Leman who represented the NUJ President and delivered the goodwill message of the NUJ at the event, said, “For us in the NUJ, this parley is a welcome development seen as a very creative and working strategy; it is an integral part of your approach towards meaningfully improving the relationship between Julius Berger and the larger society using the media.“ Comrade Shuaibu Usman Leman called the Julius Berger annual media parley “a strategy geared towards building a stronger synergy between the press, Nigerians and the company for the development of Nigeria,“ adding that the idea and implementation of the Julius Berger media parley serves to amplify the serious efforts of the company in contributing to harmonious social engagement for a more informed, peaceful and progressive society within the developmental aspirations of ‘Project Nigeria.‘ “We appreciate Julius Berger for the invitation and we urge the company to continue to uphold the high professional standards and premium quality of work you are known for,“ Comrade Shuaibu said.
On her part, in delivering the goodwill message from the Executive Management of the Nigerian Television Authority, the Director, News, Hajiya Halima Musa, Mni, celebrateted Julius Berger as having, by the company’s annual media parley, created a veritable ‘Meeting Point‘ for busy media practitioners who for the most time do not socialise with each other to engage outside of their hectic and sometimes all-engaging schedules. For this, Hajiya thanked the Executive Management of Julius Berger, urging journalists to give meaningful coverage to Julius Berger’s works and social activities even as she urged for transparency and accountability.
The executive Director of the Leadership newspaper, Christian Ochiama also thanked the company for it‘s proactive media engagement policy and prayed for the continuing success of Julius Berger.
The Lagos event had the company’s Head of Media Relations, Prince Moses Duku delivering the address of the Executive Management to the media practioners and executives.
Wole Olajide of Stockswatch magazine summed up the views of the media in Lagos thus: “…in fairness to the company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has contributed a lot to the quality delivery of notable infrastructures in this country. As critical as the Nigerian Press is, I do not see any dissenting voice coming up against the popular viewpoint that Julius Berger Nigeria is central to Nigeria’s infrastructural development in all ramifications. We very objectively hail Julius Berger that has guaranteed quality and timely delivery of critical infrastructures in the land.“
Mr. Wole further said, “…Also, I must not fail to mention that this innovative annual end-of-year Julius Berger Management/Media parley event has continued to assist a very transparent, mutually respectful, and helpful relationship between the very independent Nigerian Press and the company. It is worth emulating by other serious corporate brands in the country. But we understand; Julius Berger is the sector,s leading brand.“
Also present from Julius Berger at the Lagos event were Project Coordinator, Lagos-Sagamu Expressway, Engr. Fatima Kosemani, Senior Executive, Strategic Business Development, Mrs Ndifreke Ukochio as well as other staff of the engineering construction company including Emmanuel Isibor, Mobolaji Ogunyemi, , Kelly Idemudia, Teniola Oladapo and Peace Onuoha.
===========
Gov. Zulum assures NDLEA of enhanced partnership as Marwa rallies Borno stakeholders
Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA of his commitment to bolstering the current partnership between his government and the anti-narcotics agency to achieve the goal of a drug free society across all 27 local council areas of the state.
Prof. Zulum gave the assurance when he hosted the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who was in Borno for a three-day war against drug abuse, WADA, advocacy visit to mobilise relevant stakeholders to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
While commending the governor for his remarkable achievements in office, Marwa briefed him on the purpose of his visit as part of his ongoing social advocacy sensitization efforts across the country to engage with stakeholders with a view to cascading WADA efforts at the national level down to the grassroots and communities. He said everything must be done to drastically reduce demand for illicit drugs and cut down access and availability of psychoactive substances because of the nexus between illicit drugs and the security challenges facing the state and the country as a whole.
Governor Zulum in his response acknowledged Marwa’s inspiring leadership qualities everywhere he had served including Borno as the state’s former military governor and his commitment to the drug fight. He assured the NDLEA boss of the readiness of his government to strengthen and enlarge the existing collaboration in the interest of law and order as well as humanity.
While on his advocacy visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Elkanemi, the NDLEA chairman urged the respected monarch to continue his support for the fight against illicit drugs while calling for drug test for intending couples as part of conditions for the conduct of weddings. He said this will discourage a lot of young people from going into substance abuse. In his response, the Shehu assured Marwa that all the 59 district heads under his emirate and the Chief Imam of Borno, Alhaji Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad present at the meeting will go back to their domains to implement the idea including setting up of drug control committees in their communities.
The same understanding was equally reached in another engagement with the Council of Ulamas led by the Chief Imam, Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad. The idea was equally endorsed by the Christian community in another meeting held with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Borno. Chairman of CAN in the state, Most Rev Dr. John Bogna Bakeni while commending Marwa’s integrity, hardwork and selfless service to humanity said “the Christian community in Borno is ever ready to partner with you and your agency on this course because government alone can’t fight the drug scourge.”
Marwa and his delegation also made a stop over at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, where he encouraged the Theatre Commander, Major General Gold Chibuisi and his commanding officers to continue their support, patriotism and sacrifice for the nation. He called for more collaboration with NDLEA to cut off access to illicit drugs by insurgents as well as drug test and sensitization lectures for troops on the dangers of illicit substances to their wellbeing. Major Gen. Chibuisi in his response promised to make the drug fight part of the counter-insurgency efforts while increasing partnership with the anti-narcotics agency.
In his meeting with chairmen of local government areas in the state, Marwa charged them on collaboration as the agency prepares to establish presence in all the local councils across the country in the coming year. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele and the LGA bosses assured of their preparedness while offering suggestions on how the synergy will work.
Also speaking during an advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba and his management team, the NDLEA boss called for drug test for fresh and returning students to discourage those with disposition to abuse illicit substances. While asking that the school’s counselling unit be strengthened to be able to respond to early signs of drug abuse, Marwa also assured that “we’ll like to work with the university to fish out members of the university community selling illicit drugs.”
In his response, Prof. Shugaba said “drug test is a great idea. We share and buy the idea and believe it will reduce drug abuse. The drug problem is of a serious concern in the university because most of those arrested for theft and other vices are found to be on drugs. As such, we will take your suggestions and implement them immediately.” He called for the setting up of an NDLEA Post on the campus and a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the agency.
A stakeholders meeting was later held at the Indimi Hall of the university where Marwa and his team had interactions with members of other security agencies, students, transport unions, women groups, Youth Corp members, civil society organisations and many others.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Wednesday 15th November 2023
Kano High Court jails Benjamin Okechukwu Udeagwu and Benjamin Amos Olamide for internet- related offences
A Kano State High Court presided over by Honorable Justice Ibrahim Musa Karaye has convicted and sentenced two fraudsters, Benjamin Okechukwu Udeagwu and Benjamin Amos Olamide to three years imprisonment for internet- related offences.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charges bordering on internet fraud upon their arraignment by the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge against Udeagwu reads: “That You, Benjamin Okechukwu Udeagwu sometime in September, 2023 in Kano within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Kano with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $50 by fraudulently impersonating as Brad George a citizen of United States of America which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence of cheating by personation contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under Section 324 of same law.”
The charge against Olamide reads: “That you Benjamin Amos Olamide ‘m’ sometime in 2022 at Kano, Kano State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did dishonestly induce unsuspecting victims to deliver to you a total sum of $500 ( Five Hundred dollars only) to you as Terry Vince who lives in United States of America, through a gmail account waytospace420cgmail.com which presence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of cheating contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and punishable under Section 322 of the same law”
In view of their pleas, EFCC’s counsels, Abubakar Hassan Elbadawi and Fatima Mustapha prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Counsels for the defendants, M.J Ella and M.E Ogah pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that “the defendants were first- time offenders and have regretted their actions”.
Justice Karaye convicted and sentenced Udeagwu to one year imprisonment or an option of fine of N20, 000 (Twenty Thousand Naira only).
Olamide, on the other hand, was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira only).
The two convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for impersonation and internet- related offences. They were charged to court and convicted.
Media & Publicity
November 14, 2023.
EFCC arraigns Oladipo Jimoh alongside his firm, Barma Energy Resources Limited,
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, arraigned one Oladipo Jimoh alongside his firm, Barma Energy Resources Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on two-count charges bordering on stealing to the tune of $60, 334.59 (Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Four Dollars, Fifty Nine Cents).
Count one reads: “Oladipo Bankole Jimoh and Barma Energy Resources Limited, sometime between 11th October, 2022 and July 2023 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $47,534.59, property of Vale Blue Limited.”
Count two reads: “Oladipo Bankole Jimoh and Barma Energy Resources Limited, sometime between 11th October 2022 and July 2023 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of $12,800, property of Vale Blue Limited.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the two- count charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, G.C. Akaogu, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case against the defendants.
“We also pray that the defendant be remanded at a Correctional Centre,” he said. However, defence counsel, A.K. Akpabio, informed the court of the bail application filed on behalf of her clients.
“We pray that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC custody until the bail is perfected,” she said.
Justice Dada admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200 million, with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must be gainfully employed and each must have N100 million in his/her account or a valued landed property.
Justice Dada held that “the defendant shall be remanded at the Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail.”
The judge also ruled that “in view of the fact that there are no Correctional officers in court today, due to security reasons, the defendant shall temporarily be remanded in the EFCC custody.”
The case was adjourned till February 12, 2024 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
November 14, 2023.
EFCC arraigns Aisha for criminal misappropriation
The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, arraigned Aisha Sabo before Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, Yobe State on one -count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N10,473,500.00 (Ten Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand Five Hundred Naira).
The lone-count charge reads: “That you Aisha Sabo on or about March, 2022 at Damaturu, Yobe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly converts the aggregate sum of N10,473,500.00 (Ten Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand Five Hundred Naira) which you reasonably ought to have known that it forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal misappropriation and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge when it was read to her.
EFCC Counsel, Muhktar Ali Ahmed, thereafter prayed the court for a trial date while defence counsel, M.M Ngumurumi applied for the bail of the defendant.
Justice Fadima adjourned the matter till January 24, 2024 for commencement of trial and admitted the defendant to bail with two sureties who must be resident in any local government area of Yobe State.
She further ordered that one of the sureties must be a traditional or religious leader, while the second surety must be a reasonable person in Yobe State. All the sureties are to be verified by the EFCC.
Sabo was arrested by operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC for converting N10, 473,500.00 belonging to a petitioner to her own use.
Media & Publicity
November 14, 2023.
November 15, 2023
Press Statement
Nigeria Sliding into Totalitarianism, Anarchy – PDP Raises Alarm
…Says Nation’s Democracy, Unity in Danger
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raises alarm to Nigerians and the International Community that the nation is dangerously sliding into totalitarianism and anarchy under the brazenly repressive and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The PDP alerts of attempts and actions of a cabal within the Presidency to emasculate the Institutions of Democracy in Nigeria, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary in the desperation to foist a one-Party State on Nigerians.
This unfolding anti-democratic scenario is not only evident in the manipulation of elections but also in the conflicting judgments by electoral Courts, especially some Election Appeal Court Panels which judgments are in conflict with the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, INEC’s Guidelines and Regulations for elections.
What is more worrisome is that these obnoxiously contradictory judgments are targeted at the PDP to the effect that elections that were clearly won by PDP candidates are snatched away at the Courts and awarded to defeated candidates of the APC contrary to the provisions of the Law.
Aside from the preponderance of such ugly scenarios in Plateau State, the conduct and outcome of certain election petitions in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa and other States of the nation where PDP was robbed of victory through the Courts are pointers to a systemic emasculation of the opposition in a bid to impose a one-Party State and pave way for totalitarianism in the country.
This situation is a clear and present danger to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy, unity, political stability and corporate existence as a nation, which is capable of breeding agitation, citizens loss of confidence in the system, restiveness, anarchy and chaos.
Democracy must be allowed to thrive as the government of the people as expressed by their Will at elections. Any intrusion, breach, violation and/or transgression against that expressed Will as being witnessed today under the APC is a clear recipe for serious political crisis and portends grave consequences for our country.
It is therefore imperative to draw the attention of Nigerians and the whole world to the undermining and crippling of democracy and the danger our nation is facing at this moment.
The PDP calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the custodian of the government to come clean by speaking out and denouncing any attempt or action that is capable of stifling democracy, the Rule of Law and muzzling of the independence of the Judiciary which is suggestive of a fait accompli on election matters pending before the Courts.
Our Party urges the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal to step in and assert the independence of the judiciary at this critical time for the defence and sustenance of democracy and the Rule of Law in Nigeria
The PDP charges Nigerians and indeed all lovers of democracy across the world to rise to the occasion, speak out and take urgent legitimate steps to defend, protect and preserve our hard-earned Democracy from the onslaught of the APC.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
With sense of humility, I welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal, which ruled today in our favour, thereby validating the position of Lagosians who freely cast their ballots to return my deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and I as Governor and Deputy Governor of our dear State. We do not take it for granted.
Today’s judicial pronouncements, like those of the Lagos State Elections Petition Tribunal, have buoyed my confidence in our country’s judicial system. The Court examined all the issues and did justice to them, without leaving anyone in doubt as to who is the rightful winner of the election.
Our party, the All Progressives Congress(APC) will continue to maintain its firm belief in the judicial process.
My deputy and I have satisfied all the constitutional requirements and are now more focused on delivering the democratic dividends to our people.
With deep gratitude to the Almighty God, I humbly accept today’s Appeal Court verdict, with a sense of responsibility and a desire to continue with the giant strides of our administration so as to leave a great legacy for our people.
The judicial victory has further strengthened my resolve to impact the lives of Lagos residents positively, regardless of their political persuasion, in line with our THEMES+ development agenda.
We urge our opponents to embrace the olive branch and join our sure march to the Greater Lagos that keeps rising by the day.
May God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
15th November, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU HONOURS INVITATION TO GUINEA-BISSAU FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION
President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, join other Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, to celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary and Armed Forces Day.
President Tinubu will arrive in Bissau on Thursday for the ceremony, which will be hosted by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
Guinea-Bissau marked its 50th Independence Anniversary on September 24, 2023, but the Government had scheduled all celebrations for November 16, 2023.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 15, 2023
NBA commends EFCC on its adherence to the rule of law in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on its adherence to the rule of law in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
It gave this commendation on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 when a delegation of the Association led by the Chairperson, Human Right Committee of the NBA, Benin Branch, Edo State, Ebehitale Osarumwense paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
According to Osarumwense, the dedication of the Commission in keeping faith with the rule of law in combating economic and financial crimes is commendable, urging it to intensify efforts in responding to petitions from the public.
“We appreciate you for accepting to engage with us in this meaningful dialogue. The relationship between our organization and yours has come a long way, I felt this was an opportunity to familiarize and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between us”, she said.
Responding, the Benin Zonal Commander of EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Kanu Idagu said the Executive Chairman of the Commission , Ola Olukoyede upon resumption of office, has stressed the need for professionalism, integrity and the supremacy of the rule of law in the works of the EFCC.
He pointed out that the EFCC is a creation of the law and guided by the law. He urged lawyers to always verify claims made by their clients against the EFCC in order not to be misled.
“Our activities are in line with the rule of law. There is nothing we are going to do that will be at odds with the law. So, I want to urge you to always verify claims made by your clients against the EFCC in order not to be misled because the EFCC has zero tolerance for corruption and will not condone any act of professional misconduct in any of its personnel”, he said.
Media & Publicity
November 13, 2023
Court jails eight internet fraudsters Edo State
The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on November 6, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms by Justice Efe Isoken Ikponmwonba of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State.
The convicts are: Pele Osai Wisdom, Olise Godspower Iknna , Okeke Benjamin Chinazor , Macdonald Iriaremhen Onajasike, Prince Joshua, Jethro Saapila , Gilbert Nelson Onyeka and Ojo Osatohhanmwen Favour.
They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charge bordering on obtaining under false pretense and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the charges reads: “That you Pele Ossai Wisdom ( a.k.a Dickson Orakh ) sometimes between 19th February 2020 and 10th June 2020 in Ekpoma within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the aggregate sum of N3, 374,96.53 from one Dawn Aschenbrenner, a Canadian national under the pretense that the said money is the legal fee of one Emma Marcus who defrauded her of the sum of $213.832 which pretense you knew is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act ,2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)of the same Act.
The convicts, upon their arraignment on October 6, 2023, pleaded guilty to their respective charges when read to them, prompting EFCC’s counsels: I.M Elodi, I.K Agwai, Salihu Ahmed and KY Bello to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In her judgment, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Pele Ossai Wisdom to 12 months’ imprisonment with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. He also forfeited the cash sum of N3,374.96.53 (Three Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Ninety-Six Naira, Fifty-Three kobo) refund to Dawn Aschenbrenner, a Canadian national through the EFCC.
Onyeka, Iknna , Chinazor and Favour were sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The duo of Joshua and Onajasike bagged two years imprisonment with an option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand naira) fine. Similarly, Saapila bagged two years imprisonment with an option of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
In addition, the convicts forfeited mobile phones, laptops and money in their bank accounts, being proceeds of crimes to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the Commission based on actionable intelligence on their alleged internet fraud-related activities. They were charged to court and convicted.
Media & Publicity
November 13, 2023
CBN To Allow Old Design Naira Banknotes As Legal Tender, Ad Infinitum
Please recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations in October 2022 and certain deadlines were set for the old design of these denominations to cease as legal tenders. Without prejudice, the Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public of its desire to extend the legal tender status deadline of the old design of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations, ad infinitum. This is in line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences. Thus, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, will continue to remain legal tender, ad infinitum, even beyond the initial December 31, 2023, deadline. The Central Bank of Nigeria is working with the relevant authorities to vacate the subsisting court ruling on the same subject. Accordingly, all CBN branches across the country will continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and redesigned, to and from deposit money banks (DMBs). The general public is enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes. Also, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, for day-to-day transactions.
Isa AbdulMumin PhD
Director, Corporate Communications November 14, 2023
Omo-Agege Congratulates Gov. Uzodinma, Ododo; Thanks President Tinubu, Ganduje-Led APC NEC; And Commends Imo, Kogi Electorate For Supporting APC
The Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege heartily congratulates the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma and Governor-elect of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo on their decisive electoral victories in the just concluded gubernatorial elections in their respective states.
The former Deputy Senate President notes with profound joy that Governor Uzodinma’s emphatic success at the polls is a clear testament to the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Imolites who see him work tirelessly daily for their common good. As his dear brother and friend with untiring capacity to do great things by the power of God, Senator Omo-Agege trusts that Governor Uzodinma is primed to do much more amazing things to lift up his good people, and prays that God guides him all the way.
Equally, Senator Omo-Agege is pleased that working with the good people of Kogi State and trusted leaders across the Kogi landscape, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello and the Governor-elect, Alhaji Ododo stood firm to provide wise, focused and strategic leadership for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to win the governorship election in Kogi State. It is his sincere prayer that God will guide Mr. Governor-elect to lead Kogi well.
Senator Omo-Agege also extends his warm congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for allowing his credentials as a great democrat and statesman to speak eloquently for themselves in these off cycle elections, as he easily played the role of the ‘Father of All’ to further strengthen public confidence in our democracy. He equally extends his sincere congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Umar Ganduje (APC’s National Chairman) and the entire members of the National Executive Committee of the party for their resourceful leadership at this crucial time of these elections.
Signed:
Sunny Areh
(Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege)
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETS ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK MANAGEMENT, NEGOTIATES MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR FUNDING PACKAGE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, advanced negotiations concerning a multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility from the Islamic Development Bank to fund a multi-sectoral portfolio of infrastructure projects at the federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria.
This development was the outcome of substantive investment discussions held between President Tinubu and the Vice-President (Country Programs) of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, after the President’s return from evening prayers.
“Nigeria is the candle of hope that will light the way for Africa. And once Africa is illuminated, the world will be a brighter place for all of humanity. We are determined to create a future for our gifted youths. Investments in Nigeria will be among the world’s most high-yielding. Investor money will flow easily in and out of our country. Processes will be seamless. And your bank has always been a faithful partner in progress.
“We have serious deficits in port infrastructure, power infrastructure, and agro-allied facilities that will enable sustainable food security in our country. These deficits present unrivalled opportunity for savvy investors in a market that is by far the largest on the continent. Yes, we had the vision to enable Lekki Deep Seaport before others saw it. We must be bold again.
“We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses. There are several sectors replete with investment opportunity for smart investors. Access to finance and guarantees can be a hindrance in some cases. You can come in there. We see you as a critical enabler. You have partnered with us before. We want to scale it up now and do much more with greater ambition and clear vision,” the President stated.
Noting the historic essence of President Tinubu’s swift and decisive economic reforms, the Vice-President of the Islamic Development Bank said the financial world has been monitoring events in Nigeria and has concluded that Africa’s largest economy means business this time.
“Mr. President, we know you inherited a very tough set of circumstances. It is to your credit that you have taken very bold steps without delay. We are ready to work with you. We are ready to support big investments in Nigeria. We agree that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds. And the world needs Africa to succeed.
“The Islamic Development Bank President announced the provision of $50 billion U.S. Dollars of new investment for the African continent from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). This was announced at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Summit. As the largest market and the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria will certainly receive a significant share. We look forward to supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the Islamic Development Bank Vice-President said.
The President concluded by thanking the Islamic Development Bank management while pledging the unwavering commitment of his administration to win investors’ trust and confidence, just as he did in Lagos State many years ago.
Members of the Nigerian delegation present at the meeting in Mecca were: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State; Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and others.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 14, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS FAMOUS ACTOR, SAMANJA
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of retired soldier, broadcaster, and veteran actor, Usman Baba Pategi (Samanja), who died on Sunday at 84.
The President described the death of the popular thespian as a painful loss, saying he contributed to the country through the various vocations he pursued in his lifetime.
“The late Pategi chose to obey the call to national duty when the country needed his service. His television show, Samanja, was must-watch entertainment for decades. Through the show, he taught young citizens national values and respect for our servicepeople. He was a patriot who left behind several indelible impressions,” the President said.
President Tinubu encouraged the Pategi family, the people and governments of Niger and Kwara states, the Pategi Emirate Council, and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry to take comfort in the worthy legacy of the deceased.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
November 14, 2023