Those Against Olukoyede’s Appointment As EFCC Chairman Are Traducers – VON DG

The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has condemned criticisms surrounding the appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede as the new chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that the appointment of Okukoyede is a game-changer in the fight against corruption.

The VON boss appealed to those against Olukoyede’s appointment to sheath their swords, and allow the new ant-graft czar to settle down and work for the nation.

Okechukwu said that it was not unusual for controversy to erupt after the appointment to an important and strategic office like the chairman of EFCC, without regard to whether the appointment conforms with extant laws.

He said: “One has carefully taken a cursory analysis of the raging debate and came to the inevitable conclusion that Ola Olukoyede’s traducers had forgotten the famous and ageless maxim of the foremost physician of all time, Albert Einstein.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

“Olukoyede’s appointment was a remedy as EFCC was formed to provide an alternative for higher performance in waging the Herculean anti-graft war crusade.

“Therefore, his appointment from the fraud angle of the noble legal profession is an appropriate alternative for reforms. Doing otherwise is akin to doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

He added: “As the intendment of the law is that emphasis should be laid on cognate experience. The reforms contemplated by the Renewed Agenda of President Tinubu can only be achieved under an informed insider with requisite legal tools, not a learner. That, to me, is the essential thrust of Olukoyede’s appointment.

“Having served as a member of the Technical Committee of the Presidential Advisory Council on Corruption, as well as a member of the Technical Committee on the Repositioning of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), he should, with fine combs, fish out billions of dollars stashed abroad, and bail Nigerians out of the economic quagmire and debt burden; for common sense dictates that it cannot be only Gen Abacha’s loot.”

Nigeria Becoming A Carcass, Leaders Unpatriotic – Moghalu Says As FG Seeks World Bank Loan

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu has kicked against the Federal Government’s plan to borrow from the World Bank.

It was reported that the Federal Government was engaging the World Bank on a fresh $1.5 billion loan.

The objective of the loan is to strengthen systems for improved delivery of basic education and primary health services in participating states.

Reacting, Moghalu via X said Nigeria is becoming a carcass, “and our political class its scavengers.”

“There is a real problem when Nigeria is set to borrow another $1.5 billion from @WorldBank for budget support, and SUVs worth N160 million each are reportedly to be bought for 360 members of the House of Representatives. We are not yet serious as a country.

“Nigeria is becoming a carcass, and our political class its scavengers,” he wrote.

Moghalu added that: “If I were President of Nigeria or Governor of a State, no government official will drive a foreign made vehicle at government expense (procurement) when we have local alternatives. That is one demonstration of patriotic leadership and commitment to cutting the cost of governance.”

Redeem Your Image With Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa Guber — PDP To INEC

 

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to use the November 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to redeem its image.

It also urged the electoral body to replace the Imo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sylvia Agu, to avoid a repeat of the electoral chaos recorded in Adamawa State during the last governorship election.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, at a press conference, in Abuja, said: “The PDP has noted the statement by INEC Chairman that INEC will make full use of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and the INEC Result Viewing, IreV, portal for uploading and electronic transmission of results in the November 11, 2023 governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states.

“The PDP has reviewed issues relating to the conduct of the November 11, 2023 elections in the three states and states as follows:

“The PDP notes that the INEC Chairman has confirmed that the use of BVAS and IREV in this election and even in previous election is a mandatory statutory requirement of the law

“The PDP holds INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, directly responsible and accountable to his pronouncements and that INEC is bound by Law to electronically transmit results directly from the polling units using these technologies.

“The PDP is fully prepared for these elections and in line with the commitment of INEC will not accept any other means of transmitting results in these elections except as this manner pronounced by the INEC Chairman in line with requirement of Electoral Act, 2022.”

Ologunagba stressed that the PDP has commenced training of its polling agents at all levels to ensure total compliance to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Electoral Act, 2022, INEC Guidelines and Regulations especially as confirmed by the INEC Chairman.

The PDP Spokesman said the Party remains confident of victory in the three states because all candidates in the affected states; Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Samuel Anyanwu (Imo) and Dino Melaye of Kogi, have proven track records of public service and are popular with their people.

On the demand for the sack of the Imo State REC, he said: “The PDP for the umpteenth time, demands for the immediate removal of the Imo State INEC REC, Prof. Sylvia Agu.

“The PDP and other political parties had written several letters to INEC. Recently the political parties including the PDP, LP, YPP, ADC, AA among others staged a peaceful protest to INEC demanding for her immediate removal.”

According to him, the PDP does not have confidence in the ability of Prof. Agu to be fair to all parties contesting in the November 11, 2023 governorship election.

This, he explained, was based on her conduct in the 2023 National and House of Assembly elections where “she allegedly manipulated and brazenly assisted the APC in rigging the elections.”

Ologunagba, a lawyer by training also alleged that Agu is a direct relation of a national officer of the APC and there are allegations that she is being further compromised to assist the APC to rig the November 11 governorship election in Imo State

He noted that her continued stay in office as Imo REC is provocative, inciting and amounts to testing the willof the people of Imo State and daring them to do their worst.

Ologunagba further said, “INEC has a lot of RECs from which the INEC Chairman can choose to replace Prof. Sylvia Agu and avoid a scenario that could be worse than what happened in Adamawa State governorship election where INEC refused to change the compromised REC.”

SUVs Remain Property Of N’Assembly, Except Members Pay For It After Their Tenure Expires — Reps

 

The House of Representatives, on Sunday, reacted to reports on the procurement of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the 360 members of the lower chamber.

Recently, reports appeared on social media that the leadership of the green chamber purchased SUVs for all members of the house valued at N160 million each, totalling N57.6 billion for the purchase of the vehicles.

Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House, confirmed via a statement that the green chamber is in the “phased process of procuring and distributing operational vehicles to honourable members.”

He said reports on the vehicle procurement “carry varying exaggerations.”

While adding that the vehicles are not personal gifts to the lawmakers, he said that the vehicles remain the property of the National Assembly within the four-year tenure of members of the house.

“It is important to make a few clarifications. The vehicles to be allocated to the offices of honourable members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees.

“They are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members. For the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 – 2027), the vehicles shall remain the property of the national assembly.

“At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, honourable members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the national assembly.

“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.

“The vehicles are work tools and not status symbols — honourable members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled.

“The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions,” the statement read.

Don’t Sell Donated Food Items — FG Appeals To IDPs

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a heartfelt plea to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), urging them not to sell the food items distributed to them.

This appeal was made during a food distribution event held in Kwara State, where over 100 affected households received essential supplies, including rice, garri, semo, spaghetti, vegetable oil, and salt, among other items.

The food distribution ceremony took place at the Federal Secretariat in Ilorin, with the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, expressing deep concern for the plight of the IDPs.

He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has supported providing meaningful assistance to displaced individuals equally.

Represented by Tunde Oyasanya, the Deputy Director of Communications and Strategy of the commission, Aliyu urged the beneficiaries not to sell the provided items, as they are intended to serve their basic needs.

In addition to the immediate relief, he noted that the the government’s long-term goal is to empower displaced individuals through livelihood programs that enable them to become self-sufficient and generate income.

He stressed, “The commission has committed a huge sum of money to purchase these items and support you. We beg you not to sell them. This is just one of our programmes and very soon we will go into a livelihood programme to empower each one of you.

“We do not need to keep bringing food items to you. We are interested in what you can do for yourselves and how to make a living.”

Commissioner for Special Duties, John Bello, acknowledged the significant challenge that internally displaced persons pose to governments at all levels.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by IDPs and other vulnerable members of society.

CBN Lifts Ban On 43 Items After Eight Years (Full List)

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria has finally lifted the foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importers of 43 items eight years ago.

In a statement signed by CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin on Thursday, the bank said this is a significant change to the foreign exchange market policy.

According to the central bank, this action will boost liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and intervene from time to time, stating that interventions will decrease as liquidity improves.

It added that it is working towards an FX backlog with existing participants and will continue dialogue with stakeholders to address the issue.

According to the statement, “Importers of all the 43 items previously restricted by the 2015 Circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/010, and its addendums are now allowed to purchase foreign exchange in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will continue to promote orderliness and professional conduct by all participants in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market to ensure market forces determine exchange rates on a Willing Buyer – Willing Seller principle.

“The CBN reiterates that the prevailing Foreign Exchange (FX) rates should be referenced from platforms such as the CBN website, FMDQ, and other recognised or appointed trading systems to promote price discovery, transparency, and credibility in the FX rates.

“As part of its responsibility to ensure price stability, the CBN will boost liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market by interventions from time to time. As market liquidity improves, these CBN interventions will gradually decrease.

“The CBN is committed to accelerating efforts to clear the FX backlog with existing participants and will continue dialogue with stakeholders to address the issue.

“The CBN has set as one of its goals the attainment of a single FX market. Consultation is ongoing with market participants to achieve this goal. Participants and the general public are to be guided by the above,” it stated.

Below is the list of the times:

Rice
Cement
Margarine
Palm kernel
Palm oil products
Vegetable oils
Meat and processed meat products
Vegetables and processed vegetable products
Poultry and processed poultry products
Tinned fish in sauce (Geisha)/sardine
Cold rolled steel sheets
Galvanized steel sheets
Roofing sheets
Wheelbarrows
Head pans
Metal boxes and containers
Enamelware
Steel drums
Steel pipes
Wire rods (deformed and not deformed)
Iron rods
Reinforcing bars
Wire mesh
Steel nails
Security and razor fencing and poles
Wood particle boards and panels
Wood fiberboards and panels
Plywood boards and panels
Wooden doors
Toothpicks
Glass and glassware
Kitchen utensils
Tableware
Tiles-vitrified and ceramic
Gas cylinders
Woven fabrics
Clothes
Plastic and rubber products
Polypropylene granules
Cellophane wrappers and bags
Soap and cosmetics
Tomatoes/tomato pastes
Eurobond/foreign currency bond/ share purchases

Ex-UNIJOS Professor Caught In Examination Fraud Fails To Make SAN Final List As 58 Gets Elevated

 

Law professor, Benedicta Daudu, who was caught cheating in an examination at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and subsequently suspended by the institution, has failed to make the 2023 final list of recipients of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank.

Last month, Legal Practitioners and Privileges Committee (LPPC), shortlisted Daudu’s name alongside 68 other lawyers for the prestigious SAN rank.

Daudu’s shortlist however caused an uproar on the online space.

But in a Thursday development, the committee elevated 58 lawyers to the rank of SAN, of which Daudu’s name was missing.

In a statement, Hajo Bello, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, said the promotion of the 58 lawyers was approved at the 159th plenary session of the committee chaired by Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

“The rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics,” the statement reads.

The Chief Registrar also said four petitions against some of the applicants were considered during the meeting.

He, however, said each of the petitions lacked merit and was dismissed.

Bello said the swearing-in ceremony of the successful applicants will be held on November 27.

Kayode Ajulo, a human rights activist; Funmi Falana, wife of Femi Falana and Folashade Alli, daughter of Afe Babalola and Adeola Adedipe, a constitutional lawyer, are among the lawyers who are elevated to the rank of SAN.

Find the full list below:

1.Felix Ota Offia, Esq

2.Lawrence Bankole Falade, Esq

3.Kingsley Osabuohein Obamogie, Esq

4. Folashade Abosede Alli, Esq

5.Abiola Isiaq Oyebanji, Esq

6.Bomo Olakunle Agbebi, Esq

7.Daniel Osinach Uruakpa, Esq

8.Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe, Esq

9.Babatund E Adeoye, Esq

10.Babseyi Sigismund Joseph, Esq

11. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, Esq

12.Kehinde Olufemi Aina, Esq

13.Ngozi Chido Olehi, Esq

14. Aaron Chileokwu Okoroma, Esq

15.Ibrahim Dalhatu Angulu, Esq

16.Olayiwola Emmanue L Afolabi, Esq

17. Sule Shu’aibu, Esq

18.Abiodun Olanrewaju Olaleru, Esq

19.Alfred Olufemi Atteh, Esq

20.Kazeem Adekunl E Sobaloju, Esq

21.Shehu Wadaabdullahi, Esq

22.Bamidele Ibironke Olawoye,Esq

23. Oluwaseyilayo Akinkunmi Ojo, Esq

24. Funmi Falana, Esq

25. Felix Tamara Udenke Mefa Okorotie, Esq

26. Oluwagbenga Seun Ajayi, Esq

27. Friday Ramses Aku Onoja, Esq

28. John Agada Elachi, Esq

29. Bola Razaq Gold, Esq

30. Paul Kasimanu Wamad Uemene, Esq

31. Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, Esq

32. Oluwole Aladedoye, Esq

33. Paul Yn Osobhase Abhulimen, Esq

34. Jonathan Taidi Gunu, Esq

35. Tochukwu Jude Onyiuke, Esq

36. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Esq

37. Christpher Adapar Umar , Esq

38. Chibueze Ogechi Ogbonna,Esq

39. Yemi Adewale M’sbaudeen Adesina, Esq

40. Omoyemi Lateef Akangbe, Esq

41. Olumide Akin Wale Olujinmi , Esq

42. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Esq

43. Fidelis Chuk Wunonye Mbadugha, Esq

44.Onyemaechi Chkwudi Adiukwu, Esq

45.Kechukwu Philip Onuoma, Esq

46. Yakubu Philemon, Esq

47. Johnny Ugwugwaye Agim, Esq

48. Aliyu Lemu Ibrahim, Esq

49 . Isaiah Bozimo, Esq

50. Prisca Ozoiloesike, Esq

51. Yahaya Dan’asabe Dangana, Esq

52. Adeola Oluwaseun Adedipe, Esq

53. Adedayo Samue Ladedeji, Esq

54. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Esq

55. Musaahmed Attah, Esq

56. Ayotunde Foluso Ogunleye, Esq

57. Olayemi Badewole, Esq

58. Babatunde Adetunji Oni Esq (the lone successful academic applicant for the rank)

We Supply Electricity To Nations That Don’t Pay Us – Shettima

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday assured investors of his administration’s determination to ensure adequate power supply across the country especially in industrial clusters, with no strings attached.

Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, said there was the need to ensure investors in the country were provided adequate power supply to sustain their operations.

According to him, the power needs of the industry would be met even as he observed that some other nations Nigeria is supplying electricity to don’t pay.

Note that Nigeria supplies electricity to some of its neighbours like Niger, Benin Republic, Togo, among others.

The roundtable was convened by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) under its Light Up Nigeria Programme to supply dedicated, steady, and quality power to major industrial and commercial clusters in Nigeria.

Shettima who said that it is embarrassing that the Agbara Cluster relies on other sources of power supply aside from the national grid, assured that Federal Government through the NDPHC is committed to ensuring that clusters like Agbara benefit from a cheaper means of generating power in their various factories.

The Vice President, who is the chairman of Board of Directors of NDPHC promised that the Agbara Industrial Estate will have a steady power supply in the next four months.

He said: “Be rest assured, we are going to supply your power needs and with no strings attached. We are giving power to Togo, I think we are giving 100 megawatts to Togo, and some of these nations are not even paying us. Why can’t we give to businesses that will pay us? It is just simple arithmetic; it is a matter of economics.”

Bill To Raise Retirement Age Of Military Personnel To 65 Passes Second Reading

 

A bill seeking to raise the retirement age of members of the armed forces, has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.

Gaza Gbefwi, a lawmaker from Nasarawa State and seven other lawmakers sponsored, the bill which proposes to raise the retirement age of members of the armed forces from 60 to 65 and — from 35 to 40 years in service.

The bill also seeks to amend section 18 of the Arm Forces Act 2004 as well as insert a new subsection 4 to section 30.

The proposed legislation will make it mandatory for service chiefs; army staff, air staff, and naval staff, to be appointed from among the respective services, while the Chief of Defence staff can be picked from any of the armed forces.

Information Nigeria understands that generals are often forced to retire if their juniors are appointed as service chiefs.

To ensure that they still render their services to the nation, the bill will make it mandatory for military officers “compulsorily” retired following the appointment of their subordinates as service chiefs — to be engaged by the chief of defence staff as senior technical consultants for the training of officers in defence college, armed forces staff college or any related institution.

During a debate on the bill on Thursday, Gbefwi said: “The objective of the bill is to ensure that serving military officers learn from the wealth of experience of senior military officers compulsorily retired as a result of the appointment of their juniors as chief of defence staff or service chiefs.

“It also aims to provide for 40 years of service or 65 years of age, whichever comes first, as the new retirement age for members of the armed forces.”

The bill, however, excludes those who are retired as a result of a disciplinary measures or on health grounds.