President Buhari met with Yakubu Dogara and Aminu Tambuwal at the Presidential Villa – The meeting went on behind closed doors and they refused to comment on what was discussed Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Buhar meets Dogara. File Photo President Muhammadu Buhari today, September 27 met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting with Tambuwal and Dogara was held behind closed doors. The speaker and the Sokoto state governor arrived together in a vehicle to the forecourt of the presidential villa and spent over 45 minutes in the President’s office. RE – Paper Review According to The Nation, after the meeting, they declined to speak directly on the purpose of the meeting with the waiting state house correspondents, when they came out from the President’s office. When asked if the meeting had anything to do with the House of Representatives, Tambuwal said: “Not at all.” Also when journalists asked if it had to do with recession and sale of assets, he replied: “I have already aired my views on the sales of assets.” The journalists pressed further and asked if the meeting had to do with the clash between the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, he responded with: “I don’t know about that. We are here to meet Mr. President and greet him and to show our support.” Dogara on the other hand refused to speak at all. Meanwhile, five days ago, on September 22, the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo met with state governors and other council members in Abuja in a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. The meeting started at the Council Chamber of the State House at around 11am and the discussions on the agenda no doubt that centered around the current economic challenges and the way forward.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
NUPENG, TUC, NLC, others set to shut down Nigeria
Organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989 over the propose sale of nationals assets. – Labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians
organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989. The minister for Budget and Planning Minister, Udoma Udo Udoma however said the Federal Government would not sell critical national assets to shore up its foreign reserves as well as have funds to retool the economy against the current downward plunge. However labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians. While reacting, PENGASSAN said; “Any attempt to sell these national assets will be met with stiff resistance from the Association, as PENGASSAN will galvanize every support, including that of our sister union and labour centres, to shut down this country by ensuring that every activity in the oil and gas sector is brought to a complete halt. “Some opportunists in the cloak of businessmen and short-sighted politicians had earlier advocated the sale of public assets such as the NLNG, four state-owned refineries, Nigeria’s stakes in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, the nation’s airports and reduction of government’s shares in upstream oil joint venture operations and this was approved by the National Economic Council, NEC.” “The proponents of the sale of national assets are those who have been actively involved in the operations of the nation’s economy in the past. They were part of those responsible for the country’s current economic situation. “Moreover, such sales in the past, including the power and steel sectors privatization, were just a shift from public to private monopoly which has further worsened those sectors. “It is, therefore, the candid position of PENGASSAN that such plan should be thrown into the trash bin. Government should continue to seek better ways to address the present economic challenges and reduce areas of wastages.” On its part, NUPENG through its General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ogbebor, said; “We will resist the sale with all our might. It is not in the best interest of Nigerians. It will only compound the unemployment in the country. It will also compound the restiveness and agitation in the Niger Delta. There is no way we are going to accept it. If the President is really a patriot as claimed, he should not yield to the pressure because enemies of the country are at work. “However, our organs will meet either as NUPENG or jointly with PENGASSAN to deal with it. Certainly, it is unacceptable, unpatriotic, anti-Nigeria and must be rejected and resisted by all. We call on Mr. President to declare a state of emergency on the economy and summon an all-encompassing stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on how the present economic challenges can be quickly addressed. “NUPENG is of the view that Nigeria is a big market and certain measures should be put in place to reflate the economy so that it will be an investors’ destination.” Also reacting, the TUC through its acting secretary general, Simeso Amachree said; “We are not going to accept it and we will resist appropriately. As it was done before, it is an attempt to take over the national assets. “Like we stated earlier, the idea should be dropped or they will incur the wrath of workers. “It is our thinking that if those clamouring for the sales pay their appropriate taxes, there would be enough money to bring the country out of the woods without sacrificing our national assets. “Truly, we appreciate the concern of some sincere people in government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who is working tirelessly to fix the economy. But we get worried when people suggest we sell investments like NLNG which provided the money for the bailout of states when they could not pay salaries or concession our airports. On what grounds? “The Congress will mobilise and resist any further sale or concession of our national assets under whatever guise.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s minister of finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has revealed that she cannot predict when the country will out of the current economic recession.
organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989. The minister for Budget and Planning Minister, Udoma Udo Udoma however said the Federal Government would not sell critical national assets to shore up its foreign reserves as well as have funds to retool the economy against the current downward plunge. However labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians. While reacting, PENGASSAN said; “Any attempt to sell these national assets will be met with stiff resistance from the Association, as PENGASSAN will galvanize every support, including that of our sister union and labour centres, to shut down this country by ensuring that every activity in the oil and gas sector is brought to a complete halt. “Some opportunists in the cloak of businessmen and short-sighted politicians had earlier advocated the sale of public assets such as the NLNG, four state-owned refineries, Nigeria’s stakes in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, the nation’s airports and reduction of government’s shares in upstream oil joint venture operations and this was approved by the National Economic Council, NEC.” “The proponents of the sale of national assets are those who have been actively involved in the operations of the nation’s economy in the past. They were part of those responsible for the country’s current economic situation. “Moreover, such sales in the past, including the power and steel sectors privatization, were just a shift from public to private monopoly which has further worsened those sectors. “It is, therefore, the candid position of PENGASSAN that such plan should be thrown into the trash bin. Government should continue to seek better ways to address the present economic challenges and reduce areas of wastages.” On its part, NUPENG through its General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ogbebor, said; “We will resist the sale with all our might. It is not in the best interest of Nigerians. It will only compound the unemployment in the country. It will also compound the restiveness and agitation in the Niger Delta. There is no way we are going to accept it. If the President is really a patriot as claimed, he should not yield to the pressure because enemies of the country are at work. “However, our organs will meet either as NUPENG or jointly with PENGASSAN to deal with it. Certainly, it is unacceptable, unpatriotic, anti-Nigeria and must be rejected and resisted by all. We call on Mr. President to declare a state of emergency on the economy and summon an all-encompassing stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on how the present economic challenges can be quickly addressed. “NUPENG is of the view that Nigeria is a big market and certain measures should be put in place to reflate the economy so that it will be an investors’ destination.” Also reacting, the TUC through its acting secretary general, Simeso Amachree said; “We are not going to accept it and we will resist appropriately. As it was done before, it is an attempt to take over the national assets. “Like we stated earlier, the idea should be dropped or they will incur the wrath of workers. “It is our thinking that if those clamouring for the sales pay their appropriate taxes, there would be enough money to bring the country out of the woods without sacrificing our national assets. “Truly, we appreciate the concern of some sincere people in government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who is working tirelessly to fix the economy. But we get worried when people suggest we sell investments like NLNG which provided the money for the bailout of states when they could not pay salaries or concession our airports. On what grounds? “The Congress will mobilise and resist any further sale or concession of our national assets under whatever guise.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s minister of finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has revealed that she cannot predict when the country will out of the current economic recession.
Senate probes minister, 4 banks for fraudulent transfer of MTN’s $13.9bn
A minister under President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been accused of aiding MTN to repatriate $13.9 billion to its home country, South Africa.
Senator Dino Melaye had on Tuesday raised a motion on the floor of the Senate accusing the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Elenemah, of facilitating the illegal repatriation of $13.9 billion by MTN to its home country, South Africa.
The banks allegedly involved are Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank, and the offence is said to have been committed through the bankers between 2006 and 2016.
On the matter, the Senate directed its Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, to investigate the alleged illegal repatriation of $13.9 billion by MTN and the four banks alleged to have aided it.
He also said, “The senate notes with serious concern the repatriation of $13.92bn illegally out of Nigeria by Mobile Telecommunication Limited (MTN) through its bankers between 2006 and 2016. Concerned that since inception, MTN had sought the collaboration of influential and unpatriotic Nigerians to assist them in looting our external reserves.
“Pained that these Nigerians, including a serving minister who MTN used in moving $13.92bn out of Nigeria, which is over 50 per cent of our external reserves floated and incorporated offshore SPVs in Cayman Island, Mauritius and British Virgin Island.
“The minister of industry, trade and investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, owner of CELTELCOM Investment Limited with address at No 608, St James, Denis Street Port-Lewis Mauritius purportedly claimed to invest in MTN on February 7, 2008, got certificate of capital importation and filled form A on the same date, closed his investment in Nigeria after receiving dollar payment for repatriation to New York same day”, the Senator said
Friday, 1 July 2016
N750m car scam: Ortom lauds EFCC over arrest of lawmakers
Governor Ortom of Benue state met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa
– He said he spoke with the president on the security situation and economic issues in the state
– The governor said his government would never shield anybody found guilty of corruption
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting and investigating the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Terkimbir Ikyange; the deputy speaker, James Okefe and the majority leader, Benjamin Adanyi.
Speaking on Thursday, June 30, with state house correspondents
shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the
presidential villa, Abuja, Ortom said his government would never shield
anybody found to be corrupt or wanting, The Punch reports.
He added that nobody should be an exception in the ongoing anti-corruption war in the country.
The EFCC invited the principal officers of the assembly to Abuja on Tuesday over alleged misappropriation of N750million meant for the purchase of cars for members.
The governor said: “Yes, it (the arrest of the lawmakers) is a good thing. It is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC.
“From day one, I brought up a slogan that, ‘if you chop money, money will chop you’. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law.
“If you do it wrong, you will go your own way. As far as I am concerned, they are under investigation. Let us see the outcome we would have.
“As far as I am concerned, my government will not shied anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. Myself as the governor and every other lieutenant are open to scrutiny; there is Freedom of Information Bill and people are allowed to get information from these sources.”
Ortom noted that the EFCC is an agency that is charged with investigation and they are free to do their job in Benue state.
“I have given them free hand: ICPC, EFCC, and even for me, I am doing independent prosecution of those who are corrupt,” he said.
According to him, his government set up a commission which came up with a report that N107billion should be retrieved from 52 persons, including the former governor, Gabriel Suswam, adding that an unnamed person who was indicted had already offered to refund N355m.
He said the government would not prosecute anybody who returns money.
On his meeting with the president, he said used the opportunity to intimate him of the security situation and economic issues in the state.
Ortom was optimistic that the strategies put in place by his administration would address kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state.
A week ago, report surfaced that the EFCC had beamed its searchlight on Governor Ortom over an alleged transfer of the state’s cash amounting to N4.29 billion from banks to unknown recipients.
– He said he spoke with the president on the security situation and economic issues in the state
– The governor said his government would never shield anybody found guilty of corruption
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting and investigating the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Terkimbir Ikyange; the deputy speaker, James Okefe and the majority leader, Benjamin Adanyi.
Governor Samuel Ortom
He added that nobody should be an exception in the ongoing anti-corruption war in the country.
The EFCC invited the principal officers of the assembly to Abuja on Tuesday over alleged misappropriation of N750million meant for the purchase of cars for members.
The governor said: “Yes, it (the arrest of the lawmakers) is a good thing. It is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC.
“From day one, I brought up a slogan that, ‘if you chop money, money will chop you’. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law.
“If you do it wrong, you will go your own way. As far as I am concerned, they are under investigation. Let us see the outcome we would have.
“As far as I am concerned, my government will not shied anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. Myself as the governor and every other lieutenant are open to scrutiny; there is Freedom of Information Bill and people are allowed to get information from these sources.”
Ortom noted that the EFCC is an agency that is charged with investigation and they are free to do their job in Benue state.
“I have given them free hand: ICPC, EFCC, and even for me, I am doing independent prosecution of those who are corrupt,” he said.
According to him, his government set up a commission which came up with a report that N107billion should be retrieved from 52 persons, including the former governor, Gabriel Suswam, adding that an unnamed person who was indicted had already offered to refund N355m.
He said the government would not prosecute anybody who returns money.
On his meeting with the president, he said used the opportunity to intimate him of the security situation and economic issues in the state.
Ortom was optimistic that the strategies put in place by his administration would address kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state.
A week ago, report surfaced that the EFCC had beamed its searchlight on Governor Ortom over an alleged transfer of the state’s cash amounting to N4.29 billion from banks to unknown recipients.
He however, denied ever transferring such huge amount
from the financial system blaming the report on those he claimed had
looted the state to the tune of N107 billion before he took over.
Niger Delta Avengers: Bayelsa governor cautions JTF
– Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson is known for his bluntness when speaking on national issues
– Governor Dickson recently cautioned the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta
– The governor made the call while receiving the new commander of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has advised the new commander of the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, to be neutral in all the affairs of his team.
Governor Seriake Dickson
Rear Admiral Okojie is the new leader of the security outfit code named, “Operation Delta Safe” set up by the federal government to address the security challenges in the region.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson also commend the federal government for retaining the headquarters of the “Operation Delta Safe” in Bayelsa.
He reiterated that the operations of the security outfit, especially its maritime component, has a crucial role to play, given that Bayelsa state is predominantly riverine in nature.
The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the officers and men of “Operation Delta Safe”, even as he called for non-interference in their activities in the interest of national peace and stability.
He assured Rear Admiral Okojie that his government would continue to support security agencies in the fight against criminality and brigandage in the state and beyond.
Dickson frowned at vices such as kidnapping, piracy and the wilful destruction of the nation’s strategic assets, coupled with the attendant degradation of the environment such attacks cause.
The governor also paid tribute to all the commanders of the now rested Operation Pulo shield for their contributions to the peace in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Okojie told the governor that the federal government deemed it important to re-engineer the security outfit in the region as part of efforts to effectively the security situation in the area.
According to Rear Admiral Okojie, the task of achieving enduring peace and stability, remains a joint effort involving the governments, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He assured Governor Dickson that his team would adopt a holistic approach in maintaining law and order rather than use brute force.
Okojie however warned criminal minded individuals to steer clear of the region, adding that they would deal decisively with those who are bent on sabotaging the federal government’s efforts towards promoting economic growth and prosperity.
Earlier this week, Governor Dickson advised the federal government not to engage in combative means as a way of ending the threats posed by the Niger Delta Avengers.
– Governor Dickson recently cautioned the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta
– The governor made the call while receiving the new commander of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has advised the new commander of the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, to be neutral in all the affairs of his team.
Governor Seriake DicksonIn a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson also commend the federal government for retaining the headquarters of the “Operation Delta Safe” in Bayelsa.
He reiterated that the operations of the security outfit, especially its maritime component, has a crucial role to play, given that Bayelsa state is predominantly riverine in nature.
The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the officers and men of “Operation Delta Safe”, even as he called for non-interference in their activities in the interest of national peace and stability.
He assured Rear Admiral Okojie that his government would continue to support security agencies in the fight against criminality and brigandage in the state and beyond.
Dickson frowned at vices such as kidnapping, piracy and the wilful destruction of the nation’s strategic assets, coupled with the attendant degradation of the environment such attacks cause.
The governor also paid tribute to all the commanders of the now rested Operation Pulo shield for their contributions to the peace in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Okojie told the governor that the federal government deemed it important to re-engineer the security outfit in the region as part of efforts to effectively the security situation in the area.
According to Rear Admiral Okojie, the task of achieving enduring peace and stability, remains a joint effort involving the governments, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He assured Governor Dickson that his team would adopt a holistic approach in maintaining law and order rather than use brute force.
Okojie however warned criminal minded individuals to steer clear of the region, adding that they would deal decisively with those who are bent on sabotaging the federal government’s efforts towards promoting economic growth and prosperity.
Earlier this week, Governor Dickson advised the federal government not to engage in combative means as a way of ending the threats posed by the Niger Delta Avengers.
Fayose dares Buhari’s wife
– The ultimatum given by the president’s wife to Governor Fayose has expired on June 29
– However, the Ekiti governor didn’t withdraw his accusations against Mrs. Buhari
– Buhari’s wife left the country for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia
The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, has given the
Governor of the Ekiti state Ayo Fayose, five days to apologise or face
legal action.
The ultimatum which Mrs. Buhari issued to the governor, demanding to drop his accusations, expired on June 29, Wednesday.
Mr. Fayose didn’t apologise to Buhari’s wife for linking her to American Congressman William Jefferson’s bribery scandal of which the US legislator was convicted in 2009.
The media director in the Office of the Wife of the President, Zakari Nadabo, confirmed that the office had not received any message from the governor as of 7.00pm of Wednesday.
He also revealed that the wife of the president had left Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Nigeria’s anti-graft commission has on June 20 frozen bank accounts of Ayo Fayose.
The Ekiti governor reacting to the news issued a statement which contained excerpts of court documents sourced from the United States Department of Justice Website.
He stated that Aisha Buhari was an accomplice in the bribery scandal that landed Jefferson in jail.
In 2009, Jefferson was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.
Aisha Buhari through her lawyers, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpere, defined Fasoye’s accusation as “very wild and unfounded” as well as threatened to drag the governor to court if the statement was not retracted within five working days.
– However, the Ekiti governor didn’t withdraw his accusations against Mrs. Buhari
– Buhari’s wife left the country for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia
Fayose and Aisha Buhari
The ultimatum which Mrs. Buhari issued to the governor, demanding to drop his accusations, expired on June 29, Wednesday.
Mr. Fayose didn’t apologise to Buhari’s wife for linking her to American Congressman William Jefferson’s bribery scandal of which the US legislator was convicted in 2009.
The media director in the Office of the Wife of the President, Zakari Nadabo, confirmed that the office had not received any message from the governor as of 7.00pm of Wednesday.
He also revealed that the wife of the president had left Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Nigeria’s anti-graft commission has on June 20 frozen bank accounts of Ayo Fayose.
The Ekiti governor reacting to the news issued a statement which contained excerpts of court documents sourced from the United States Department of Justice Website.
He stated that Aisha Buhari was an accomplice in the bribery scandal that landed Jefferson in jail.
In 2009, Jefferson was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.
Aisha Buhari through her lawyers, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpere, defined Fasoye’s accusation as “very wild and unfounded” as well as threatened to drag the governor to court if the statement was not retracted within five working days.
Buhari hosts members of diplomatic corps
– President Buhari breaks his Ramadan fast with the members of members of diplomatic corps in his presidential villa
– The president addressed issues of Niger Delta militancy, the Boko Haram insurgency, rescue of the Chibok girls
– He reaffirmed the commitment to free all Boko Haram captives and to provide safe return of displaced people to their homes
President Muhammadu Buhari has hosted members of diplomatic corps to
breaking of Ramadan fast in State House on June 30, Thursday.
While addressing his visitors the president restated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls.
He said that the priority was to rescue the girls alive and unharmed.
“We are not letting up our efforts to rescue the Chibok girls, our priority is to rescue them unharmed”, Buhari noted.
President Buhari assured that he would continue to tackle the security challenges, lamenting that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless.
“Our main focus is to ensure their safe return to their homes and rehabilitation of their communities,” he noted.
Speaking about the increase in attacks in the Niger Delta region, the president gave assurance that the issue was being addressed.
Meanwhile, Buhari noted that “no amount of militancy shall distract us from engaging with the region”.
According to the leader of the nation, his government was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems: “Our doors are open for business.”
President Buhari further showed gratitude on the international
cooperation the anti-corruption war had received particularly on the
recovery of looted funds.
On his own part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked the Buhari, stating that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity to interact with the president.
Two years ago the members of the deadly Boko Haram sect has kidnapped
more than 200 schoolgirls from the Chibok town in the Borno state.
In May this year, one of the girls, Amina Ali Nkeki, was found wandering in the Sambisa forest with her baby.
However, the family of the girl lamented that the government is
hiding the rescued girl as she was last seen during the meeting with
President Buhari.
– The president addressed issues of Niger Delta militancy, the Boko Haram insurgency, rescue of the Chibok girls
– He reaffirmed the commitment to free all Boko Haram captives and to provide safe return of displaced people to their homes
While addressing his visitors the president restated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls.
He said that the priority was to rescue the girls alive and unharmed.
President Buhari assured that he would continue to tackle the security challenges, lamenting that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless.
Speaking about the increase in attacks in the Niger Delta region, the president gave assurance that the issue was being addressed.
According to the leader of the nation, his government was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems: “Our doors are open for business.”
On his own part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked the Buhari, stating that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity to interact with the president.
In May this year, one of the girls, Amina Ali Nkeki, was found wandering in the Sambisa forest with her baby.
We’ll resist attempts to unseat Fayose – PDP members to FG
– PDP members protest in Ekiti over alleged attempt by FG to unseat Governor Fayose
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Some of their placards read: “Stop harassing Fayose”; “Fayose remains blameless”; “Fayose must complete his tenure” and “Peace must remain in Ekiti”.
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti state
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirms Manchester United move
– Zlatan Ibrahimovic will join Manchester United this summer
– Ibrahimovic’s contract at PSG has expired and he will move to England
– Zlatan is expected to sign a one year deal with the Manchester club
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced on Instagram that he is joining Manchester United.
Ibrahimovic, 34, was available as a free agent after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired on Thursday and the striker has confirmed reports that he would join United.
On the day he became a free agent, he wrote on Instagram: “Time to let the world know. My next destination is @manchesterunited #iamcoming”
According to ESPN, Ibrahimovic was yet to sign a contract or have a medical when he announced his plans, and United have not yet confirmed the move.
Provisional terms on a one-year deal had been agreed two weeks ago, sources close to the deal said at the time, though a clause in his PSG contract delayed the transfer.
United announced earlier on Thursday that they will play Galatasaray in a friendly in Ibrahimovic’s native Sweden on July 30.
– Ibrahimovic’s contract at PSG has expired and he will move to England
– Zlatan is expected to sign a one year deal with the Manchester club
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced on Instagram that he is joining Manchester United.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
According to ESPN, Ibrahimovic was yet to sign a contract or have a medical when he announced his plans, and United have not yet confirmed the move.
Provisional terms on a one-year deal had been agreed two weeks ago, sources close to the deal said at the time, though a clause in his PSG contract delayed the transfer.
United announced earlier on Thursday that they will play Galatasaray in a friendly in Ibrahimovic’s native Sweden on July 30.
We’ll resist attempts to unseat Fayose – PDP members to FG
– PDP members protest in Ekiti over alleged attempt by FG to unseat Governor Fayose
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Some of their placards read: “Stop harassing Fayose”; “Fayose remains blameless”; “Fayose must complete his tenure” and “Peace must remain in Ekiti”.
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti state
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
We’ll resist attempts to unseat Fayose – PDP members to FG
– PDP members protest in Ekiti over alleged attempt by FG to unseat Governor Fayose
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Some of their placards read: “Stop harassing Fayose”; “Fayose remains blameless”; “Fayose must complete his tenure” and “Peace must remain in Ekiti”.
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
– The PDP members say they are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood
– They say they won’t hesitate to recall any lawmaker in the House of Assembly who works against the governor
Following an alleged plot to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets on Thursday, June 30, to protest.
The PDP members trooped out in their numbers in Ido-Ekiti headquarters of Ido/Osi local government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose, The Nation reports.
According to the protesters, any attempt by the federal government to remove Governor Fayose will not be condoned.
They condemned alleged plot by the government to “hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.”
Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti state
Speaking at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the “leader of opposition in Nigeria.”
He said: “The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we won’t allow that this time.
“Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we won’t hesitate to recall the person.
“They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.”
The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.
Faleye said: “We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the federal government against the governor.”
The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion the governor allegedly received from the office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.
Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.
Friday, 18 March 2016
How Bukola Saraki looted Kwara dry - EFCC, CCB
– CCB, EFCC said Saraki borrowed huge sums of money running into billions from commercial banks to acquire several landed property in Lagos, Abuja and London – Saraki was also said to have failed to declare his ownership of several proprieties across Nigeria Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Bukola Saraki Details of how senate president, Bukola Saraki, a two-term governor of Kwara state looted the state dry has emerged. According to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Saraki allegedly syphoned Kwara state funds with the help of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) into his foreign account to buy property in London. This was contained in a joint response by the CCT and EFCC is contained in the counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution in the trial of Saraki on charges of false assets declaration.Saraki was said to have borrowed huge sums of money running into billions from commercial banks, particularly Guarantee Trust Bank and used the proceeds of the loan to acquire several landed property in Lagos, Abuja and London, while he was the governor of Kwara state. He was also alleged to have used public funds, running into billions from Kwara state government and lodged same in several tranches and in cash into his GTB account I GRA (Government Reservation Area), Ilorin, Kwara State. “Our investigation on the CCB Assets Declaration Forms for public officers filed by the defendant/respondent revealed the following: “The landed property listed as No: 42 Gerald Road, Ikoyi was visited by Mr. Ikechi Iwuagwu (Deputy Director, CCB), Miss. Geraldine Longsten (DSS) and Adamu Garba (EFCC) sometime in 2006 and discovered that the property was under construction. “Contrary to the declaration by the defendant that he was earning an annual income of N110, 000,000 from No: 42 Gerald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, there were no tenants in the property as same was an empty land as at the time of the declaration. Contrary to the declaration by the defendant that he owned 15A and 15B Mcdonald, Ikoyi, Lagos as at the time of the declaration in 2003 our investigation revealed that the said property were acquaired in 2006 from the implementation committee on Federal Government Landed properties through his companies called Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited wherein he paid the sum of N396, 150,000 to the federal Government of Nigeria. “The defendant made an anticipatory declaration for the said 15A and 15B, Ikoyi, Lagos. The defendant acquired the property in the name of two companies because he could not buy two Federal government property in his personal name. “The defendant bided for and acquired 17, 17A and 17B Mcdonald, Ikoyi, Lagos from the Implementation Committee on Federal government Landed Property and paid an aggregate sum of N497, 200,000 to the Federal Government between October 2006 and 2007. Saraki was also said to have failed to declare his ownership of No: 3 Targus Street, Maitama, Abuja otherwise known as 2481 Cadastral Zone A06, Abuja which he acquired from one Alhaji Attahiru Adamu in his asset declaration form (of June 3, 2011.) and No: 42 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja Lagos, which he acquired through his company, Skyview Properties Limited from First Finance Trust Limited on December 12, 1996. “Sometime in February 2010 the defendant obtained a loan of N375, 000,000 from GTB Plc in Nigeria, which he converted into 1,516,194.53 pounds sterling and gave instructions to the bank to transfer the entire sum to the united Kingdom in favour of Forts Bank SA/NV the purpose of which the defendant stated to be the full and final payment of mortgage redemption for the property he purchased in London,” Danladi said. CCT chairman, Danladi Umar has adjourned to March 24 for ruling and possible commencement of trial.
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
Ivanovic Set To Renew His Contract With Chelsea
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is already in talks with the club on his contract renewal.
According to The Times (UK), the Serbian is set to pen-down new terms with the London club.
It would be noted that the Serbian defender is yet to settle into the
new season, although has shown potentials of getting back to his old
self.
Possibly, Ivanovic may extend his contract for another one year as Chelsea continue the transformation process under new interim coach Guus Hiddink.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Jose Mourinho could be moving to Manchester United sooner than expected, as popular football agent Jorge Mendes is said to be in negotiations with the former English champions as they look to appoint the Portuguese.
According to The Times (UK), the Serbian is set to pen-down new terms with the London club.
Branislav Ivanovic
Possibly, Ivanovic may extend his contract for another one year as Chelsea continue the transformation process under new interim coach Guus Hiddink.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Jose Mourinho could be moving to Manchester United sooner than expected, as popular football agent Jorge Mendes is said to be in negotiations with the former English champions as they look to appoint the Portuguese.
Rivers APC Apologises To Professor Wole Soyinka
The Rivers state chapter of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) has tendered an apology to Nobel Laureate,
Professor Wole Soyinka on the recent accusation by the Rivers state
government against him.
Recall that the Rivers government recently expressed shock when it found that the ex-governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi had spent N82 million to host Soyinka to a three-hour dinner.
Austin-Tam George, the state commissioner for information and communication, made the disclosure while addressing journalists on Tuesday, January 5, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers APC chairman, in the state, Davies Ikanya, tendered the apology through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on media and public affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.
Eze said: ”On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, we hereby tender an unreserved apology to Prof. Wole Soyinka and assure him that Wike’s vile attempt to link him to an imaginary corruption has failed.
”The accusation is nothing but the ranting of a drowning man looking for whom to pull into the stinking pool. But Wike has over-reached himself this time, because Prof. Soyinka is globally renowned as a man of unimpeachable integrity, who has never been associated with corruption in his over 80 years on earth.
”The fact remains that Wike is currently in a pit full of faeces, looking for whom he will splatter the faeces on; sadly, he remembered our revered Nobel laureate. As rightly observed by Prof. Soyinka, Wike is ready to splatter sewage in all possible and improbable directions.
”The Rivers APC noted that Wike, in his desperation to demonise Amaechi and whoever that is associated with him, must have forgotten that his panel of enquiry, which investigated the former governor’s tenure, exonerated him of any financial misdeeds.”
”For Wike to try to disparage a respected personality like Prof. Soyinka in this manner only exposes him as a drowning man looking for any tool to stay afloat. If Wike is sure of his records, why doesn’t he go to court to retrieve the N82 million? ”
The party stated that the achievements of the Amaechi administration could not be wished away or cancelled through cheap blackmail.
Meanwhile, Soyinka has described the statement by the Rivers state government as ‘abominable distractions.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 6, the Ogun-born professor said it was never his business to look into the catering logistics of the numerous luncheons, dinners, institutions, etc. that he attends all over the world.
Reacting to the allegation, Amaechi urged Wike to go to court if he has any cases of fraud or misappropriation of state funds against him instead of what he called ”silly distractions. ”
Recall that the Rivers government recently expressed shock when it found that the ex-governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi had spent N82 million to host Soyinka to a three-hour dinner.
Austin-Tam George, the state commissioner for information and communication, made the disclosure while addressing journalists on Tuesday, January 5, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers APC chairman, in the state, Davies Ikanya, tendered the apology through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on media and public affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.
Eze said: ”On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, we hereby tender an unreserved apology to Prof. Wole Soyinka and assure him that Wike’s vile attempt to link him to an imaginary corruption has failed.
”The accusation is nothing but the ranting of a drowning man looking for whom to pull into the stinking pool. But Wike has over-reached himself this time, because Prof. Soyinka is globally renowned as a man of unimpeachable integrity, who has never been associated with corruption in his over 80 years on earth.
”The fact remains that Wike is currently in a pit full of faeces, looking for whom he will splatter the faeces on; sadly, he remembered our revered Nobel laureate. As rightly observed by Prof. Soyinka, Wike is ready to splatter sewage in all possible and improbable directions.
”The Rivers APC noted that Wike, in his desperation to demonise Amaechi and whoever that is associated with him, must have forgotten that his panel of enquiry, which investigated the former governor’s tenure, exonerated him of any financial misdeeds.”
”For Wike to try to disparage a respected personality like Prof. Soyinka in this manner only exposes him as a drowning man looking for any tool to stay afloat. If Wike is sure of his records, why doesn’t he go to court to retrieve the N82 million? ”
The party stated that the achievements of the Amaechi administration could not be wished away or cancelled through cheap blackmail.
Meanwhile, Soyinka has described the statement by the Rivers state government as ‘abominable distractions.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 6, the Ogun-born professor said it was never his business to look into the catering logistics of the numerous luncheons, dinners, institutions, etc. that he attends all over the world.
Reacting to the allegation, Amaechi urged Wike to go to court if he has any cases of fraud or misappropriation of state funds against him instead of what he called ”silly distractions. ”
#ThankAbacha - Nigerians React To $300Million Refund
Report surfaced yesterday, January 11, that the government of Switzerland had concluded plans to transfer the sum of $300 million recovered from the family of former military dictator, General Sani Abacha to the Nigerian government.
The fund to be transferred is said to be part of an estimated $5 billion stolen and kept in foreign accounts by late Abacha.
The country has in the past 10 years reportedly received over $1 billion from the Swiss and American governments and these recovered funds have been trailed with controversy as past administrations have been accused of misappropriating the fund.
Following report of the loot that would be returned, Abacha is now trending on Twitter, with some Nigerians thanking him for saving the money for the country. Some said the former military dictator did not still the money but only saved it for the future.
Late Sani Abacha
The country has in the past 10 years reportedly received over $1 billion from the Swiss and American governments and these recovered funds have been trailed with controversy as past administrations have been accused of misappropriating the fund.
Following report of the loot that would be returned, Abacha is now trending on Twitter, with some Nigerians thanking him for saving the money for the country. Some said the former military dictator did not still the money but only saved it for the future.
Monday, 11 January 2016
Ex-PDP Chairman Toyo Accuses Akpabio Of Squandering N4T
Otu Ita Toyo, the former chairman of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom state chapter, has accused
former governor of the state Godswill Akpabio of squandering N4trillion
during his administration.
Speaking in an interview with Premium Times, Toyo said Akwa Ibom state is broke.
He said: “Today we are broke. Is that possible, after N4 trillion?
“If you have N4 trillion and you become broke, it means you’ve not been doing something right.
“There is so much want in Akwa Ibom. There are real men who have lived a life of contentment in the past, but today they can’t feed their family.
On his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio said what he was witnessing now wasn’t the kind of Akwa Ibom he envisaged when he conducted the governorship primary that produced Akpabio.
“I was looking for an Akwa Ibom where the state chairman of our party will call the government and say ‘listen, our party wants to achieve this, we are not here to build big houses and undergrounds and swimming pools, and local government chairmen buying 20 cars and building houses all over the country.
“If the Supreme Court says we should go for a re-run of the governorship election in Akwa Ibom state, I have no doubt that the APC will win the election.
“The people voting for APC will be largely PDP people who are unhappy with the way they were treated in the PDP.
“And that puts the blame squarely on the head of those who ran the party in the state in the past eight years, and those who ran the government in the last eight years.”
Toyo added that he would not support Udom Emmanuel who won the 2015 governorship as a candidate of the PDP.
According to him, his problem with Emmanuel was that he was the cause
of the political dispute that brought division and tension in the
state.
“It is not his making. I wish they had not dragged him into this. They have probably abandoned him and gone up to the senate.
“He’s got to manage it and he doesn’t even have the capacity in terms of experience to manage it.”
The ex-chairman also criticised the attempt by the PDP to resurrect the argument on the zoning of the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom state.
He said it was fraudulent in the first place for the PDP to have used senatorial district basis, instead of linguistics groupings, to zone the governorship of the state in the 2015 election.
“They are not true to the PDP zoning system which we all subscribed to many years ago. And they did not inform anybody when they changed the format, and therefore that cannot by any stretch of imagination be the subsisting PDP zoning system.
“This business of zoning on senatorial district is an afterthought by a fraudulent cabal who wants to hoodwink the people of the state and come in (to government) through the back door.
“Even if we come to Eket Senatorial District and we want to choose a governor from there, will you go to Awa which has had a governor before? Is that zoning? Chief Clement Isong was from Awa, in Onna local government area.
“Okay, let’s continue to push the senatorial district argument. If you were to choose on senatorial district basis, a deputy to a governor from Eket Senatorial district, where would that deputy come from? Is it not Uyo Senatorial District, given that the immediate past governor was from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District?
“How come the deputy governor is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District?
“Their argument is that ‘Oh, we don’t want two Ibibio persons to occupy the offices of the governor and that of the deputy governor’. How come you are talking about linguistic grouping in the deputy governorship position, but you use senatorial district when talking about the governorship?”
Chief Otu Ita Otoyo had defected to the APC yesterday, January 10, alongside a former senator, Aloysius Etok, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh.
The decampees including the ex-chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area and many others were received into the party at a prayer summit and reception held in honour of Obong Umana Umana, the APC candidate, in the last governorship election.
Speaking in an interview with Premium Times, Toyo said Akwa Ibom state is broke.
He said: “Today we are broke. Is that possible, after N4 trillion?
“If you have N4 trillion and you become broke, it means you’ve not been doing something right.
“There is so much want in Akwa Ibom. There are real men who have lived a life of contentment in the past, but today they can’t feed their family.
On his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio said what he was witnessing now wasn’t the kind of Akwa Ibom he envisaged when he conducted the governorship primary that produced Akpabio.
“I was looking for an Akwa Ibom where the state chairman of our party will call the government and say ‘listen, our party wants to achieve this, we are not here to build big houses and undergrounds and swimming pools, and local government chairmen buying 20 cars and building houses all over the country.
“If the Supreme Court says we should go for a re-run of the governorship election in Akwa Ibom state, I have no doubt that the APC will win the election.
“The people voting for APC will be largely PDP people who are unhappy with the way they were treated in the PDP.
“And that puts the blame squarely on the head of those who ran the party in the state in the past eight years, and those who ran the government in the last eight years.”
Toyo added that he would not support Udom Emmanuel who won the 2015 governorship as a candidate of the PDP.
Otu Ita Toyo, ex-pdp chairman alleges Godswill Akpabio squandered N4trillion
“It is not his making. I wish they had not dragged him into this. They have probably abandoned him and gone up to the senate.
“He’s got to manage it and he doesn’t even have the capacity in terms of experience to manage it.”
The ex-chairman also criticised the attempt by the PDP to resurrect the argument on the zoning of the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom state.
He said it was fraudulent in the first place for the PDP to have used senatorial district basis, instead of linguistics groupings, to zone the governorship of the state in the 2015 election.
“They are not true to the PDP zoning system which we all subscribed to many years ago. And they did not inform anybody when they changed the format, and therefore that cannot by any stretch of imagination be the subsisting PDP zoning system.
“This business of zoning on senatorial district is an afterthought by a fraudulent cabal who wants to hoodwink the people of the state and come in (to government) through the back door.
“Even if we come to Eket Senatorial District and we want to choose a governor from there, will you go to Awa which has had a governor before? Is that zoning? Chief Clement Isong was from Awa, in Onna local government area.
“Okay, let’s continue to push the senatorial district argument. If you were to choose on senatorial district basis, a deputy to a governor from Eket Senatorial district, where would that deputy come from? Is it not Uyo Senatorial District, given that the immediate past governor was from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District?
“How come the deputy governor is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District?
“Their argument is that ‘Oh, we don’t want two Ibibio persons to occupy the offices of the governor and that of the deputy governor’. How come you are talking about linguistic grouping in the deputy governorship position, but you use senatorial district when talking about the governorship?”
Chief Otu Ita Otoyo had defected to the APC yesterday, January 10, alongside a former senator, Aloysius Etok, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh.
The decampees including the ex-chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area and many others were received into the party at a prayer summit and reception held in honour of Obong Umana Umana, the APC candidate, in the last governorship election.
SwitzerlandTo Return $300m Abacha's Loot To Nigeria
Switzerland’s government has concluded plans
to transfer to the Nigerian government, the sum of $300 million
recovered from the family of former military dictator, General Sani
Abacha.
This disclosure was made known by the minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama on Monday, January, 11.
The fund to be transferred is said to be part of an estimated $5 billion stolen and kept in foreign accounts by the late military ruler.
So far, the country had reportedly received over $1 billion in the past 10-year from the Swiss and American governments and the recovered funds had been a subject of controversy as past administrations were reportedly said to have misappropriated the fund.
According to Premium Times report in December 2015, the former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with the approval of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, allegedly authorized the diversion of N61.4 billion($300 million and £5.5 million) from the funds recovered from Abacha, to the office of the national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, about three weeks before the 2015 presidential elections.
Okonjo-Iweala had said that the fund which was not approved by the National Assembly was meant for the purchase of arm to prosecute the war against insurgency.
Meanwhile, a fresh report showed that Jonathan reportedly left N13.6 billion loot recovered from f Abacha in the Nigerian treasury.
This new fact was disclosed by Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom in a chat journalists at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the state house, Abuja.
Switzerland’s government has concluded plans to return Abacha’s loot
The fund to be transferred is said to be part of an estimated $5 billion stolen and kept in foreign accounts by the late military ruler.
So far, the country had reportedly received over $1 billion in the past 10-year from the Swiss and American governments and the recovered funds had been a subject of controversy as past administrations were reportedly said to have misappropriated the fund.
According to Premium Times report in December 2015, the former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with the approval of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, allegedly authorized the diversion of N61.4 billion($300 million and £5.5 million) from the funds recovered from Abacha, to the office of the national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, about three weeks before the 2015 presidential elections.
Okonjo-Iweala had said that the fund which was not approved by the National Assembly was meant for the purchase of arm to prosecute the war against insurgency.
Meanwhile, a fresh report showed that Jonathan reportedly left N13.6 billion loot recovered from f Abacha in the Nigerian treasury.
This new fact was disclosed by Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom in a chat journalists at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the state house, Abuja.
CBN Lifts Ban Cash Deposit Of Dollars, Others
In order to stem the tide of growing foreign
exchange crisis, the Central Bank of Nigeria has finally lifted the ban
stopping commercial banks from accepting cash deposits of foreign
exchange from customers.
This announcement was made by the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, in
Abuja on Monday, January 11, saying that the new directive takes
immediate effect.
He added that the CBN discontinue its sales of foreign exchange to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.
The CBN governor accused the BDCs of excessive greed and rent-seeking practices, Premium Times reports.
He stressed further that BDC operators will now have to source for their foreign exchange from autonomous sources.
Emefiele disclosed measure will be put in place so that no operator violate the country’s anti-money laundering laws, stating the CBN would deploy more resources to monitor closely the sources of foreign exchange by the BDCs.
He said: “These measures are not intended to be punitive on anyone or any group,” the CBN governor explained.
“Rather it is meant to ensure that the CBN is better able to carry out its mandate in an effective and efficient manner, to guarantee the preservation of our scarce commonwealth, and that our hard-earned financial system stability remain intact to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Meanwhile,the fiery preacher and general overseer of The Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, had released his state of the nation address tagged ”Roadmap to successful change”.
Bakare, who was the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential elections under the banner of the Congress for Progressive Change , called for the prosecution of the CBN governor, Emiefiele, because of the role of the apex bank in the widely publicised ongoing arms probe deal.
File photo of CBN governor,Godwin Emefiele
He added that the CBN discontinue its sales of foreign exchange to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.
The CBN governor accused the BDCs of excessive greed and rent-seeking practices, Premium Times reports.
He stressed further that BDC operators will now have to source for their foreign exchange from autonomous sources.
Emefiele disclosed measure will be put in place so that no operator violate the country’s anti-money laundering laws, stating the CBN would deploy more resources to monitor closely the sources of foreign exchange by the BDCs.
He said: “These measures are not intended to be punitive on anyone or any group,” the CBN governor explained.
“Rather it is meant to ensure that the CBN is better able to carry out its mandate in an effective and efficient manner, to guarantee the preservation of our scarce commonwealth, and that our hard-earned financial system stability remain intact to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Meanwhile,the fiery preacher and general overseer of The Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, had released his state of the nation address tagged ”Roadmap to successful change”.
Bakare, who was the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential elections under the banner of the Congress for Progressive Change , called for the prosecution of the CBN governor, Emiefiele, because of the role of the apex bank in the widely publicised ongoing arms probe deal.
EFCC Boss Explains Why GEJ Hasn't Been Arrested
Ibrahim Magu, the chairman of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has finally explained why former
president Goodluck Jonathan has not been arrested over $2.1 billion
arms deal.
The fund, which was managed by the office of former national security
adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has led to the questioning, arrest and detention
of many prominent Nigerians. However, some people are still wondering
why the ex-president, who is believed to be the principal actor in the
unfolding scenario, has not been arrested or summoned for questioning.
The Eagle Online reports that Magu gave the explanation on Monday, January 11, speaking at a gathering of online news publishers under the aegis of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers in Lagos.
The EFCC boss said that no document has been traced to Jonathan giving any approval for the disbursement of the money for any other purpose than arms purchase.
He further noted that all those questioned so far in connection with the money were people who disbursed or collected it for reasons other than the purchase of arms and ammunition.
“All approvals by former president Jonathan did not mention that it was for political purposes.
“All the memos approved by him was for the purchase of arms,” he said.
Magu said that Jafar Isa who was arrested for receiving N170 million from Dasuki has already refunded N100 million and signed an undertaking to refund the balance. However, he added that despite the refund, Isa would still be prosecuted.
Speaking about Olisa Metuh, the EFCC boss revealed that the national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party said he would rather go on hunger strike than refund the N400 million he allegedly collected from Dasuki.
Maga also said that Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former boss of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, was recently re-arrested after new evidences of alleged embezzlement of N34.5 billion and another N600 million were linked to him.
The EFCC chairman stressed that the war against graft was not selective and assured Nigerians that his agency was not teleguided in the ongoing anti-corruption fight.
He called on the media to join the EFCC to win the anti-corruption war and noted that the victory would be for the benefit of the next generation.
Meanwhile, there are indications that some prominent Nigerians might soon be invited by the anti-graft agency.
According to sources close to the EFCC, the people on the list include ex-Board of Trustees chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Chief Olu Falae, the former Oyo state governor, Rasheed Ladoja, and a few others.
Ibrahim Magu has explained why former president Goodluck Jonathan has not been arrested over $2.1 billion arms deal.
The Eagle Online reports that Magu gave the explanation on Monday, January 11, speaking at a gathering of online news publishers under the aegis of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers in Lagos.
The EFCC boss said that no document has been traced to Jonathan giving any approval for the disbursement of the money for any other purpose than arms purchase.
He further noted that all those questioned so far in connection with the money were people who disbursed or collected it for reasons other than the purchase of arms and ammunition.
“All approvals by former president Jonathan did not mention that it was for political purposes.
“All the memos approved by him was for the purchase of arms,” he said.
Magu said that Jafar Isa who was arrested for receiving N170 million from Dasuki has already refunded N100 million and signed an undertaking to refund the balance. However, he added that despite the refund, Isa would still be prosecuted.
Speaking about Olisa Metuh, the EFCC boss revealed that the national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party said he would rather go on hunger strike than refund the N400 million he allegedly collected from Dasuki.
Maga also said that Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former boss of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, was recently re-arrested after new evidences of alleged embezzlement of N34.5 billion and another N600 million were linked to him.
The EFCC chairman stressed that the war against graft was not selective and assured Nigerians that his agency was not teleguided in the ongoing anti-corruption fight.
He called on the media to join the EFCC to win the anti-corruption war and noted that the victory would be for the benefit of the next generation.
Meanwhile, there are indications that some prominent Nigerians might soon be invited by the anti-graft agency.
According to sources close to the EFCC, the people on the list include ex-Board of Trustees chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Chief Olu Falae, the former Oyo state governor, Rasheed Ladoja, and a few others.
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