Fraud: Tompolo, Ex-NIMASA Boss Land In EFCC Net

Government Ekpemupolo, a former Niger Delta militant, has been taken to court on a 40-count criminal charge of unlawful conversion alongside Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former boss of the Nigerian Maritime Administratiion and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
According to Sahara Reporters, they were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, December 22, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Tompolo, who had reportedly gone into hiding to evade EFCC arrest, has been charged to court.

Reports say about $108.7m and N2.1billion, being property of NIMASA, had been allegedly converted by the pair as they were proceeds of stealing.
Others charged alongside the major suspects include Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.
Festus Keyamo, the EFCC prosecutor, filed the suit, FHC/L/5539C/15, in which 16 of the counts, alleged that Ekpemupolo, Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Boloboere Property Estate, Kime Engozu and Simon John Adomene, who is currently at large, conspired amongst themselves between 2012 and 2014 to commit the offence, knowing that the two sums of money were proceeds of stealing.
Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Destre Consult Ltd in counts 17-38 of the criminal charge, allegedly converted the sum of N106.8m, property of Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, despite knowing that the sum was derived from official corruption.
And the prosecutor, in counts 39 and 40, alleged further that Captain Warredi Enisuoh converted the sum of N8million, property of Global West Vessel Specialist, with the knowledge that the fund was garnered through corrupt means.
The accused are now facing charges on the offences said to be contrary to, and punishable under the Money Laundering Act of 2012, while Akpolobokemi is currently standing trial in two different courts of the Federal High Court in Lagos for other offences.
Only last week, reports emerged that Tompolo had to hide underground in the creeks of Bayelsa state to evade arrest after being summoned by the anti-graft agency.

Stella Oduah Disagrees With PDP Over Buhari's Budget

As against the comments made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2016 budget, Senator Stella Oduah has hailed Buhari.
In a statement made available to journalists, the senator representing Anambra-North Senatorial District described the budget as “very robust and seemingly thorough and well-thought out” while also expressing hope that it would address many of the economic and security situations that Nigerians currently face.

President Muhammadu Buhari presents the 2016 Budget at the National Assembly today.

According to Sahara Reporters, Oduah expressed excitement with the fact that the budget is also targeted at issues of concern to rural communities as she also stated her desire to see the new year set a new path for the country because the president seemed to touch on areas that included the boosting of oil and non-oil revenues.
She however said the government was trying to use its “bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects” as a cover and conduit to syphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts. 
“It is obvious that this budget is an extension of the campaign promises of the APC government, presented as a manifesto filled with bogus promises which implementation will be inconclusive, thereby allowing the APC to once again deny their promises.

Senator Stella Oduah believes the new Budget by the President is favourable.

“There has never been any known economy in the world where government deliberately mortgage the future of its nation by borrowing excessively to finance partisan interests while hiding under bogus welfare programmes. This is moreso important as the APC in reeling out their bogus campaign promises never informed Nigerians that they would mortgage their future through excessive borrowing.”
Senator Oduah also asked President Buhari to take significant steps to address the problem of unemployment in the country, adding that the swift passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper showed that the 8th National Assembly is committed to speedily passing the 2016 Appropriation Bill.
After the presentation earlier today, some ministers shared their views on the implementation of the budget and their expectations.

South Africa Threatens To Jail Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

The South African government has threatened a jail term for Chris Oyakhilome if his church, Christ Embassy, fails to release its financial records, the South African-based reporting.  

Pastor Chris and Anita Oyakhilome

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities said several religious leaders in the country could be jailed if they fail to comply with the demands of the commission.
The commission said it was investigating the commercialization of religion and abuse of people’s beliefs and had summoned several churches to appear before it with their ordination certificate, registration certificate, bank statements, and annual financial statements from 2012.
Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said the commission had been forced to take a legal route because some of the church leaders had failed to comply with her commission’s directive.
“Some of these religious leaders will face prison if they do not comply and we have been clear about our course of action,” Mkhwanazi-Xaluva told News24.
“Some religious leaders have also threatened the commission, which is leading us towards the legal route.”
Mr. Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ Embassy, had indicated he would take a legal action to stop the commission from forcing it to open his books, according to Ms. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva.
Christ Embassy had earlier sought an extension of time to enable it review its financial records.
Ms. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said they were also considering filing charges of intimidation against religious leaders who had publicly threatened the commission.
She wondered why some pastors would take money from their followers and, yet, refuse to provide their financial records.
“These people take money from people,” she said.
“What are they doing with that money? We want to know. We will not back down.
“‎If he (Mr. Oyakhilome) intends on that route, we are ready‎. He will have ‎to face the same fate as the others who refuse to hand over their financial records.”
While most of the old traditional churches – including the Catholic church,‎ the Methodist church, the Presbyterian Church, and the Lutheran Church – had requested an extension of time; a lot of the new breed churches had threatened court action.
Earlier this month, a South African pastor, Paseka Motsoeneng, ‎told the commission he would rather go to jail than hand over his financial records.
Mr. Motsoeneng (popularly known as Mboro), the head of Incredible Happenings Church, is known in the country for his healings and miracles.
“Now the headlines will be saying ‎Mboro has R10 million in his account…. I have enemies. Now they will know my strength and weakness… I want to protect myself, my church and my ministry so I have to look and consult thoroughly with my lawyers,” he said.
“For my belief, I will be glad to go to jail. Even now, I can be taken there.

Emenalo Reveals Why Chelsea Sacked Mourinho

Chelsea technical director, Michael Emenalo has disclosed the truth about the dismissal of team coach, Jose Mourinho.
The Nigerian ex-international lamented that the club are in a difficult situation and the decision had to be reached in the interest of the London club.

Michael Emenalo

He said: “It was a decision taken to protect the interest of the club. He has done a lot for the club, the fact of the matter remains that Chelsea is in trouble, the results are not good. There obviously seems to be a palpable discord between the players and the manager. We feel it was time to act.”
“The owner is forced to make a very tough decision for the good of the club, we make no mistakes about it, Chelsea one of the best and biggest team in the world is a point above relegation in the EPL and that is not good enough.
“Anybody, fan, even those that have any affiliation with the club, can understand that the club is in trouble and something needed to be done.” 
However, former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti believes lack of motivation among Chelsea players led to the team’s poor form before the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
The goal.com correspondent suggested Chelsea players relaxed too much in the league which led to their poor form and subsequent sacking of Mourinho

Blind Nigerian Lawyer Called To Bar Wins Award

Lawal Ibrahim-Temitope is a blind Nigerian lawyer who was on December 16, 2015, called to bar after going through the rigours of studying Law.
According to Kemi Filani’s blog, the visually impaired legal practitioner has also authored a book titled “My Viewpoint” which launching was attended by eminent Nigerians, including Barrister Taiwo Taiwo, Engr Yinka Odumakinde of Impact Your World, Mr Elijah of the English Department UNILAG, among other dignitaries at the event.
Ibro, as he is fondly called, also traveled to Germany to attend the United Nation General Assembly Model United Conference and has since followed it up with foreign trips where he has participated in powerful conferences.
Check out some of his pictures below:

Lawal Ibrahim-Temitope is a blind lawyer who was recently called to bar.

Lawal Ibrahim-Temitope also won an award after being called to bar.  

Summary Of Nigeria's 2016 Budget

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 22, presented a 2016 budget proposal of 6.07 trillion Naira.
Nigeria’s 2016 Budget is based on a crude oil benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016.
Check out a short summary of Nigeria’s national budget for 2016:
GDP Growth Rate Projection: 4.37%
Revenue Projection: 3.86 Naira
Deficit: 2.22 trillion Naira (equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP)
Oil Related Revenues: 820 billion Naira
Non-oil Revenues: 1.45 trillion Naira
Projected Independent Revenues: 1.51 trillion Naira
Capital Expenditure: 1.8 trillion Naira (30% of total budget)
Works, Power and Housing: 433.4 billion Naira
Transport: 202.0 billion Naira
Interior: 53.1 billion Naira
Special Intervention Programs: 300 billion Naira
Education: 369.6 billion Naira
Defence: 294.5 billion Naira
Health: 221.7 billion Naira
Ministry of Interior: 145.3 billion Naira
Foreign and Domestic Debt Service: 1.36 trillion Naira
Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans: 113 billion Naira
Non-debt Recurrent Expenditure: 2.65 trillion Naira
Deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion, in total N1.84 trillion.
There is a proposed a 9% reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016.
The budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
The Efficiency Unit set up by the current Administration, together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS, will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%.

Minister Urges Youths To Forget White Collar Jobs

Nigerian youths have been urged by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, to clinch technical skills as part of effort to quash unemployment.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has urged Nigerian youths to clinch technical skills as part of effort to quash unemployment.

The minister spoke to Channels Television, on Tuesday, December 22, in response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill at the National Assembly.
Ngige expressed optimism that the crux of the 2016 Appropriation Bill will be on curbing youths unemployment as well as take care for the vulnerable.
When he was questioned on the ministry’s plan to execute the alleged crux of the 2016 budget, Ngige said: “What you should expect are jobs and more jobs. If you look at the budget it might not be clear to you what we have done. It’s an intervention budget for job creation.
“There are so many programmes that will run under them but all of them will end up being for job creation – giving employment.
“We will give employment that will be decent. For example, one of the programmes we are going to execute is the conversion of graduates into the teaching cadre. We’ll give them training after Youth Corps, 1-year post Youth Corps, 2-year post Youth Corps, that is the bar and we will start form there; get them into teaching.
“Whether you are an engineer or lawyer, we will convert you and use that as a transition job for the time being.
“We are also going to do skill acquisition. All our skill acquisition centre scattered all over the country are going to be raised into performing their roles.
“Our children should forget about white collar jobs for now. They should use their hands and learn how to lay tiles, make POP, do some carpentry work. These are jobs that are paying even in the western climes.
“Mr President has assured that Nigerians will smile. It’s a reflationary budget that you are seeing now.”
Watch the full video clip below.
Recently the minister of Labour and Productivity disclosed that not all youths will get the N5000 stipend as promised by the All Progressives Congress led-federal government.
Recall that Ngige while addressing management and staff of the Ministry on his assumption of duty, assured Nigerians of the readiness of the ministry to tackle the menace of unemployment in the country.

Saraki's Full Speech On 2016 Budget Presentation

President Muhammadu Buhari before today, December 22, had promised Nigerians that he will present the 2016 Appropriation Bill, tagged ‘a budget of change” to the National Assembly. The President in fulfillment of his promise, this morning presented the sum of N6.08 trillion to the National Assembly as the 2016 Appropriation Bill.  
Nigerians in their increased desire to hear the breakdown of the budget was on Sunday, December 20, reassured by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, that the long awaited Appropriation Bill will drop on Tuesday, December 22.
Osinbajo reportedly made the disclosure in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital when receiving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Below is the full speech of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki after receiving President Buhari and his entourage this morning.
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2016 DRAFT APPROPRIATION BILL BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MOHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Protocol:
It is my pleasure on behalf of my Distinguished and Honourable colleagues to warmly welcome you and your entourage to this joint session of the National Assembly.
Mr. President, your coming to this hallowed chamber in person today to present the 2016 draft Appropriation Bill, bears eloquent testimony to your profound respect and commitment to the ideals of our constitutional democracy and the dictate of the rule of law. This is the first time in a few years that the President of Nigeria has personally performed this constitutional task. It highlights the importance you have attached to building a smooth working relationship with the National Assembly. This is a positive gesture that is not lost on all of us.
Mr. President, the National Assembly is acutely aware of the challenges we face today as a nation both in terms of the economy and security. In addition to this, the price of oil is at a 7 year low and the dwindling government revenue consequently. This notwithstanding, in order to meet with the aspirations of Nigerians across all works of life, we expect that the budget must de-emphasis recurrent expenditure and prioritize the upgrade of infrastructure in order to achieve economic recovery and generate employment for our teeming population. The 2016 budget must also be bold and pragmatic in providing transparent incentives and conducive environment that will prime private sector-led development, encourage local production and promote made-in Nigeria goods.
Mr. President, the National Assembly is conscious of the yearning of Nigerians for quick delivery of democracy dividends. The National Assembly has a critical role to play and we recognize this role. On the budget we are willing and ready to provide the scrutiny necessary to pass only a budget that can be implemented comprehensively to the letter. We are ready to move swiftly and speedily to pass the 2016 Appropriation Bill. The swift passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper already points to our commitment and resolve towards this. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all my colleagues in the Senate and the House for their steadfastness and patriotism in this area. We will apply same but in the light of the great importance of this document we will not short-circuit scrutiny on the altar of expediency.
I acknowledge that the task of implementing the budget is primarily that of the Executive. But our recent experience has shown that even with the best of intentions, too much discretionary powers over budget matters are inimical to accountability. It is also true that impunity and corruption thrive best when the democratic safeguards for checks and balances collapse and accountability institutions abdicate their responsibilities. In this regard, the 8th National Assembly intends to discharge our oversight responsibilities fully.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage to the

 hallowed chamber this morning.

I therefore, want to implore Your Excellency to support us in this important task by ensuring that members of your government promptly respond to invitations for clarifications when they are required to do so by the National Assembly. Mr. President, if only half of the unfolding allegations regarding financial misappropriation under the previous administration are true, they would already be sufficient evidence of the dangers that we face when public officials treat accountability institutions with disdain and oversight activities with irritation. I am confident that your avowed commitment to the rule of law and accountability would have no accommodation for such behavior. On our own side, we want to assure you that we shall only pursue that which is provided for by the laws and strictly within the ambits of the law.
Mr. President, I wish you to assure you that both chambers of the National Assembly are united in our support for your administration. We both recognize that even as we seek to maintain the integrity and independence of our respective Chambers, that autonomy must be embedded within the overriding responsibility we all have, to improve the quality of lives of our people and make them proud once again to be Nigerians. We recognize that a harmonious National Assembly is essential not only to Legislative progress, but also for the Executive to function effectively.
I therefore invite Mr. President to take advantage of this relationship, which we have not had for a couple of years, to push through some of the necessary reforms that would promote our economy. It is in this light that the National Assembly is also prioritizing the passage of laws that further enhances our business environment and promotes accountability in governance.
Let me assure you Mr. President, that with the 8th National Assembly you have got a partner. An ally to help you steer the ship of State in the right direction for growth, transparency, accountability, equal opportunities, inclusion and fairness. We will stand by you and work with you to see Nigeria become the pride of all Nigerians home and abroad and earn the respect it deserves in the global arena.
With these few words, I hereby invite Your Excellency to deliver your speech and lay the 2016 budget proposals for the consideration of the National Assembly in accordance with Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
I thank you and extend the season’s greetings to everyone.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
(Tuesday, 22 December, 2015).

2016 Budget Will Focus On Job Creation In Every Sector - Buhari

The Presidency on Tuesday, December 22 2015 has said that the 2016 budget will focus on job creation in every sector in the country.

While giving his speech at the National Assembly, he vowed that the federal government will invest to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians in order for them to operate in secure environments.
Also, he added that the federal government is ready to work in the interests of Nigerians and will fight for the protection of its citizens.
He said: “We assure Nigerians that our 2016 borrowings will be properly directed while 1.36 trillion naira has been provided for foreign and productive aspects.
“We are here to serve and indeed Nigerians will get a service they have longed for and rightfully deserve.
However, while assuring Nigerians that the trust bestowed in the government is not breached, he also suggested that the Nigerian economy needs to find other means of revenue apart from oil.
“This budget is a major step in delivering. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption.
“We implemented the Treasury Single Account which has provided greater visibility to revenue and cash flow,” he added.
Bukola Saraki, the Senate President said the 2016 budget must be bold and pragmatic in providing transparent incentives and conducive environment that will prime private sector-led development, encourage local production and promote made-in Nigeria goods.
“The National Assembly has a critical role to play and we recognize this role. On the budget we are willing and ready to provide the scrutiny necessary to pass only a budget that can be implemented comprehensively to the letter,” he said.
Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives who was also present at the presentation commended President Muuhammadu Buhari for submitting the budget in person to the National Assembly as it had become a norm for it to be communicated to the National Assembly through post or email.
He thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the federal government and also urged his colleagues for the speedy passage of the budget.
After Dogara’s speech, the members of the house of representatives chanted a loud cheer saying “Dogara, Dogara” to show support and solidarity with the speaker.
 the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was submitted barely three weeks to the end of 2015 financial year which is violating provisions of Fiscal Responsibility Act provisions. The budget is usually preceded by the MTEF and FSP.
The MTEF document according to law was supposed to have been submitted for approval by August 2015 four months to the end of the financial year requirement stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.‎
Meanwhile, the submission of the budget by the Presidency led to the extension of proceedings beyond Thursday the 17th of December 2015 which was earlier agreed for Thursday, December 17 2015, to resume January 2016.‎

Dogara Comments On National Budget

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has commented on National Budget that was presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 22.

President Buhari Presents 2016 National Budget

He said that the NASS will hold President Buhari to every word and provision in the 2016 budget.
Dogara at the end of the presentation assured the leader of the nation that the national assembly would pass the budget in good time.

The speaker said the assembly would work towards suggesting a 12-month financial year to enhance the full implementation of the budget.
“The national assembly may need to prescribe another date as the financial year in line with provisions of section 3 (18) of the constitution whenever the budget is not passed before January 1 of any given year,” he said.
“The letter and spirit of the constitution requires that the financial shall not be less than 12 months. The date of the commencement of the financial year may change, but not the 12-month period as prescribed in the constitution.
“Consequently, if this proposal is accepted it may become imperative that the 2016 budget may commence 12 months from the day it is signed into law by Mr President. The budget will only have a realistic chance of implementation when the executive have 12 uninterrupted months to executive it.
“In the spirit of change that has come to the legislature, we promise Nigerians to hold Mr President to every word and provisions of the budget when passed and assented to.”

The president had presented a N6.08 trillion budget before a joint session of National Assembly. In his address to the lawmakers and Nigerians, the leader of the nation predicted a capital expenditure of N1.8trn, which is 30% of the total budget.
President Buhari also announced that his administration would implement social welfare programmes to ease the suffering of “the poorest of the poor,” and that 500,000 graduate teachers would receive the jobs to teach in primary schools across Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom Assembly gets new speaker

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has elected a new speaker, following the Court of Appeal’s nullification of the election of the former speaker, Aniekan Uko (PDP- Ibesikpo/Asutan Constituency).
The new speaker, elected on Monday, is Onofiok Luke (PDP-Nsit Ubium Constituency).
Mr. Luke is a two-term state legislator and the immediate past chairman, House Committee on Education.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 24 members, out of 26 were present during Monday’s session.
In the same vein, the House Deputy Leader, Aniefiok Dennis (PDP-Etinan Constituency) was replaced by Aniekan Bassey (PDP- Uruan Constituency).
The replacement of Mr. Dennis followed the Court of Appeal’s nullification of his election.
The former speaker’s election was nullified a week ago by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja and a re-run ordered.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the sitting, the new speaker said that he ascribed his emergence to the will of God.We ascribe everything that happened today to God. Only God should take glory,” Mr. Luke said.
He promised to work for the unity and progress of the state.

Appeal Court unseats Akwa Ibom deputy speaker

The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, nullified the election of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly deputy speaker, Effiong Bassey.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Mr. Bassey of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP winner of Oron/Udung Uko state constituency.
But in a unanimous decision, the court ordered INEC to conduct fresh election to fill the vacant position within 90 days.
The three-man panel led by Justice Moshood Oredola-Abdulrahman, ruled that the conduct of the April 11 poll in the state constituency did not comply with the provisions of the electoral law.
Victor Okon, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, had approached the Election Petition Tribunal to seek the cancellation of Mr. Bassey’s election for alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
When the tribunal ruled in favour of his opponent, he approached the Court of Appeal and urged it to set aside the judgment, describing it as “pervasive and out of order”.
After considering the submissions by parties to the appeal, Mr. Oredola-Abdulrahman granted the prayers of the APC candidate and ruled that the election which returned Mr. Bassey as the state house of assembly member be set aside.