Sources at the tabloid said Mr. Nwosu was shot in the head by unknown persons, but he escaped being killed. The motives of his attackers are unknown.
Mr. Nwosu is recuperating in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.
Source: Sahara Reporters
Saturday, 28 July 2012
SHOCKING: Sun Newspaper Editor Escape Death?
Sources at the tabloid said Mr. Nwosu was shot in the head by unknown persons, but he escaped being killed. The motives of his attackers are unknown.
Mr. Nwosu is recuperating in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.
Source: Sahara Reporters
IMPEACHMENT THREAT: Reps, I Can Not Meet Your Demands On Budget - Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan
It was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who faced State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa.
The occasion seemed to be beyond the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who held his peace beside his senior colleague while Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala explained that the Presidency has implemented 56% of the budget, and released the sum of 324billion out of N4.69trillion.
“I think the point is that Mr. President is determined to implement this budget as fully as possible and therefore we will be moving towards the figure of as full implementation as we can by the end of the year because the budget was made for the whole year,” she explained.
According to her, “In terms of 100% implementation, I think that what I read that was said by sections of the National Assembly, will have to do 100% implementation of the budget by September.
First, in my experience worldwide, there is hardly any country where you would implement 100% even by the end of the year and this is based on very broad experience.”
She said that the usual expectation is that implementation would be in the 80% to 90% range, not 100%.
By September, you know September is the ninth month of the year, so we will definitely be moving towards the figure,” she said, noting that funds for the Third Quarter would be released within the next two weeks.
She pleaded that there is neither lack of effort nor of goodwill. “If we could go from 39% in May to 56% by mid-July, that shows a considerable leap and I'm quite confident that as we go month by month both us and the National Assembly will be able to look at it and say yes a good effort has been made for the country.”
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives gave the President the deadline of September within which to fully implement the budget or face its wrath. The Representatives, threatened to impeach the President if he does not achieve the stated target.
Source: Sahara Reporters
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
ABUJA LAND BATTLE: Patience Jonathan Vs Turai Yar’Adua?
Unknown to most Nigerians, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan is locked in a messy legal battle with her predecessor, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua over a parcel of land in Abuja.
Street Journal gathered that the Certificate of Occupancy of the disputed land, Plot 1347 at the Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja was awarded to a Non-Governmental Organization, “The Registered Trustee of Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation, WAYE”, a pet project that was initiated by Mrs. Yar’Adua in her time as First Lady after the NGO had paid N184,529,438 as statutory Right of Occupancy. An additional sum of N 76,939,210 was also paid as building plan fees after which the grant and approval of the building plans were made and given in line with the master plan of the Federal Capital Territory.
Trouble however started when the Certificate of Occupancy was revoked by Senator Bala Mohammed, the Minister of the FCT and re-awarded to the current First Lady, Patience Jonathan for the construction of the Secretariat of the “First Ladies’ Peace Mission”.
In a redress seeking bid, Mrs. Yar’ Adua’s WAYE approached the court and in a suit with the number FCT/HC/CV/2591/2010, the Attorney General of the Federation, the FCT Minister and the Abuja Geographic Information System were joined as defendants. WAYE averred before the court that shortly after it engaged a building company, Al-Cooks Nigeria Limited, to develop the property for N13, 516,013,797.58, the FCT Administration requested for a payment of another N 18,529,438 which was paid without delay.
The plaintiffs however found it regrettable after the various payments had been made, the Senator Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister, without reason, issued a notice of revocation of the said property which it allocated to the plaintiff for the purpose of building public institution (Training/Vocational Centre). It was also stated that the said letter of revocation was backdated with effect from October 27, 2011.
Pursuant to the filing of the suit, the court which was presided by Justice Peter Affen, issued an order barring the FCT Administration, AGIS and the AGF from carrying out further activities at the site. Incidentally, in spite of the subsisting order of the court, the defendants mobilised people to the site to commence construction work, thus defying the court order. .
Innocent Lagi, counsel to the WAYE instituted contempt proceedings against the defendants.
But before the hearing on the charges of contempt commenced, the Attorney General of the Federation, Bello Adoke approached the court for a vacation of the restraining order.
The Attorney General again approached the court on Tuesday and pleaded for an out of court settlement of the matter. He told the court through his counsel that the plaintiffs had been reached and an amicable settlement was already in progress. ,
Justice Affen thereafter adjourned till September 24 to receive the report of settlement.
The Attorney General made it known to the court that “the allocation of the land to the African Peace Mission was carried out in overriding interest.” He also begged for an out of court settlement stating that ”invitations to the members of the African Union’s First Ladies Peace Mission had already gone out and it would be most humiliating for Nigeria in the diplomatic circle to make an about-turn at this time, given, the time constraint to effect any other changes in venue”.
The issue has started generating comments from the populace as many believe the occurrence is a power game which is usually won by anyone in power. In some quarters, insinuations are rife that it is payback time for the former First Lady as her successor was hardly visible in those Yar’Adua days.
Source: Street Journal
SHOCKING: $3 Million Gone, Ibori Lose More Loot In Jail?
James Onanefe Ibori
James Ibori, the convicted former Delta State Governor, loses $3 million to the U.S.
Ibori, who is serving a jail term in London along with his wife, Nkoyo, his mistress and lawyer, having all been convicted of money laundering charges, forfeited $3 million assets in the United States and N2.2billion cash to the Federal Government.
Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the US Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton, announced Ibori’s forfeiture of the assets to the US government, after a judge granted a restraining order to register and enforce two orders from UK courts.
The application, which was filed under seal on May 16 in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, sought to restrain assets belonging to Ibori and Bhadresh Gohil, Ibori’s former English solicitor, that are proceeds of corruption.
Specifically, it sought to restrain a mansion in Houston, Texas and two Merrill Lynch brokerage accounts. U.S. District Judge Lamberth granted the application and issued a restraining order under seal on May 21. The department was notified yesterday that its application to unseal the restraining order was granted.
The US has been working with the UK ‘s Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police Service to forfeit these corruption proceeds.
According to the application, Ibori, who served as governor of oil-rich Delta State from 1999 to 2007 misappropriated millions of dollars of Delta State funds.
He reportedly laundered those proceeds through a myriad of Shell companies, intermediaries and nominees in several jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, with the help of Gohil. Although Nigeria’s Constitution prohibits governors from maintaining foreign bank accounts and serving as directors of private companies, Ibori and his associates accumulated millions of dollars in assets in the UK and the US, according to the application.
Ibori was convicted in the UK of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced by a British court on April 18 to 13 years in prison. Gohil was convicted in November 2010 of money laundering and prejudicing a money laundering investigation to 10 years in prison.
“Instead of working to benefit the people of the Nigerian Delta, Governor Ibori pilfered state funds and accumulated immense wealth in the process,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.
He added: “He conspired with Mr. Gohil to funnel millions of dollars in corruption proceeds out of Nigeria and into bank accounts and assets maintained in the names of shell companies and nominees. Through the Criminal Division’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, our message is clear: the United States will not be used as a safe haven for the ill-gotten gains of corrupt foreign officials.”
Ibori is to forfeit about N2.25 billion ($15m) to the Federal Government
Justice Gabriel Kolawole granted the interim order, following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), yesterday.
Ibori allegedly offered the money to former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu through an undisclosed source.
Justice Kolawole also ordered for the publication of the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper to enable any one who wants to lay claim to the money to come before it within 14 days and show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.
The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs filed the application pursuant to Sections 17(1), (2), (3) and (4) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud related activities Act number 14 of 2006.
Listed as Defenfants are the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation and the EFCC as the plaintiffs, and the Central Bank of Nigeria as sole defendants.
Moving the application which was premised on five grounds, Jacobs submitted that the cash in the sum of $15 million was received by the officers of the anti graft agency from an undisclosed agent of the former Delta state governor in 2007 as a bribe to compromise its investigation.
He added that the Commission deposited the said cash into the strong room number one of the Central Bank of Nigeria on 26th April, 2007 and that James Ibori had since denied giving the bribe to the EFCC or any of its officers.
He also stated that the money had since remained unclaimed since April 2007 till date and had remained dormant in the apex bank’s strong room .
A 14-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr. Bello Yahaya, a Police officer with the EFCC, supported the application for forfeiture. Bello said that he was one EFCC investigators assigned to investigate James Ibori’s case, and he was, therefore, familiar with the facts of the case.
“While the investigation was on going on 25th April 2007, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the then executive chairman of the EFCC called the investigation team headed by Ibrahim Lamorde, the then director of operations to pick up cash in the sum of $15m given to him and the commission through an undisclosed agent of the said James Ibori,” Paragraph 4 of the affidavit reads.
Yahya averred that the money, if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the apex bank’s strong room since April, 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless.
He added that it will be in the interest of justice to, in the interim, make an order of forfeiture to it and allow a publication to be made in a chosen national newspaper to alert any interested member of the public to come out within 14 days to show their interest, failure to which the court will make an order of final forfeiture in government’s favour.
Source: The Nation
TERRIBLE: I Used N50 To Behead The Boy - Suspect
A man arrested by the officials of the Department
of State Services (DSS), Joan Yakubu has confessed that he used N50
bread to lure the seven year-old son of his neighbour whom he beheaded.
Yakubu said this after he was arrested by the DSS officials attached to the FCT command at AYA Asokoro alongside his accomplice Ishaya Dukulung, 30.
He said his friend asked him to get a fresh human head to be sold to a client in Abuja who promised him huge amount of money.
According to him “I cut off the head of Danjuma after I persuaded him by asking if he would like to eat bread and he answered yes! So I bought bread for N50 and gave him and while he was eating, I asked him to go with me to a nearby river for a swim which did.
“When we got to the river, I entered the river while he stayed away. I told him to join me while I pretended to be washing my feet. I forced the boy to drown before I cut off the head and left the main body in the river.”
Yakubu said he later concealed the head in a bag and took it to Dakulung before heading to Abuja to meet the buyer.
The Assistant Director Operations, Ibrahim Halilu said the suspects were “arrested at the AYA Junction on July 22 at about 01:30 with fresh human head of boy of about seven years old who was later identified as Samu Danjuma from Anguwan Galadima in Nasarawa Local Government, Nasarawa state. They were arrested while they were looking for a buyer after a tip-off.”
Source: Daily Post
Yakubu said this after he was arrested by the DSS officials attached to the FCT command at AYA Asokoro alongside his accomplice Ishaya Dukulung, 30.
He said his friend asked him to get a fresh human head to be sold to a client in Abuja who promised him huge amount of money.
According to him “I cut off the head of Danjuma after I persuaded him by asking if he would like to eat bread and he answered yes! So I bought bread for N50 and gave him and while he was eating, I asked him to go with me to a nearby river for a swim which did.
“When we got to the river, I entered the river while he stayed away. I told him to join me while I pretended to be washing my feet. I forced the boy to drown before I cut off the head and left the main body in the river.”
Yakubu said he later concealed the head in a bag and took it to Dakulung before heading to Abuja to meet the buyer.
The Assistant Director Operations, Ibrahim Halilu said the suspects were “arrested at the AYA Junction on July 22 at about 01:30 with fresh human head of boy of about seven years old who was later identified as Samu Danjuma from Anguwan Galadima in Nasarawa Local Government, Nasarawa state. They were arrested while they were looking for a buyer after a tip-off.”
Source: Daily Post
WASTE: FG Buys 200 Cars For First Ladies Summit?
The Federal Government has begun taking delivery
of 200 exotics cars ordered for use by guests and officials of the
African First Ladies Summit which kicked off in Abuja yesterday, sources
involved in the deal told Daily Trust.
First Lady Patience Jonathan is the
convener of the event, with the theme “The African Woman: A Voice for
Peace,” which is expected to be attended by spouses of African leaders.
The cars comprise 80 units of BMW X3 and
X5 series with a market value of N13.5 million each, while the
remaining 120 are exotic models of Honda, Jaguar and others.
Sources told Daily Trust that the
vehicles were supplied by Coscharis Motors, and 180 units have already
been delivered to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.
The cars are for use during the 7th
African First Ladies for Peace Mission (AFLPM) summit scheduled for 24
to 27 July in Abuja. Already, African first ladies have begun arriving
in the country since weekend for the four-day event.
There was conflicting information by
last night on whether the cars were bought outright or hired, and no
government official was ready to speak with our correspondents on the
record for this story.
When Daily Trust contacted spokesman for
Coscharis Motors, Mr. Ifeanyi Nihe, by telephone on Monday, he said the
company had supplied vehicles to the Federal Government but refused to
state the number and cost.
“I am not in the position to give out the real value of the transaction,” he said.
When asked which government agency was
handling the transaction, Nihe said, “Our company is still talking with
some officials of the government. I don’t know whether it is the First
Lady’s office or not.”
Nihe also could not confirm to Daily Trust whether the cars were sold or leased out to the government for the event.
Coscharis Motors is the same company
that supplied over 3,000 units of BMW series used during the 8th All
African Games also known as COJA in 2003.
A source said the transaction for the 200 cars was processed by the office of the Minister of State for Finance.
Attempts to seek explanation from the
office were not successful as a spokesman declined comment while the
minister of state, Dr. Yerima Ngama, did not answer calls to his phone
on Monday.
Also, attempts to get reaction from the
office of the First Lady were not successful. Her spokesman Ayo Adewuyi
could not be reached by telephone on Monday and yesterday.
The Federal Government is supposed to be
operating a “monetization” policy under which government officials are
paid monies in lieu of official vehicles. Ministries and agencies,
including the Presidency, are also supposed to maintain pools of limited
numbers of vehicles for official activities.
It is not clear what will happen to the
200 cars after the First Ladies conference, but such vehicles usually
end up being auctioned at rock-bottom prices to the well-connected or
government workers take possession of them.
The main objective of the African First
Ladies summit, according to the concept paper, is to “facilitate the
flow of authentic conversations and ideas that will create powerful new
paradigm for the African woman.”
During the conference, the foundation
laying ceremony of the secretariat of Mrs. Jonathan’s First Ladies Peace
Mission is scheduled be performed in Abuja.
The foundation is to be laid on the
disputed land allocated to former first lady Turai Yar’Adua’s Women and
Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF) in February 2010 but revoked by FCT
Minister Bala Mohammed in November last year and reallocated to Mrs.
Jonathan’s pet project.
The AFLPM was established in 1997 and
aims at the prevention and management of conflict as well as the
preservation of peace through civil and humanitarian diplomacy.
Source: Daily Trust
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Goodluck Jonathan: Fire Diezani Alison-Madueke Immediately Or Resign! By Conscience Nation
At the very root of the insecurity threatening to
consume Nigeria today, is one single matter – CORRUPTION!!! While there
are many manifestations of this hydra-headed monster, any decisive
action against corruption MUST be launched against it from the source,
namely the petroleum sector, which is the nation’s leading revenue
generator.
Before we proceed further, here are a few quick facts and corresponding questions:
1. Some of Nigeria’s most prolific oil assets were recently renewed by Petroleum Minister
Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke in favour of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited for an
undisclosed amount (reportedly millions of dollars). This approval disregarded superior bids
from competing Chinese companies which offered billions of dollars. This development
clearly contradicts Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s vow when he assumed the Presidency in
May 2010, that ALL transactions during his tenure would be transparent. QUESTION: IN
THIS ERA OF FISCAL PRUDENCE GLOBALLY, WHY WERE THE SUPERIOR BIDS
FROM THE CHINESE COMPANIES DISCOUNTENANCED?
2. After much speculation, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Mr.
Mohammed Adoke (SAN) revealed that Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke personally approved a settlement between her former employer (i.e. Shell Petroleum) and Agip Oil on one hand; and Malabu Oil on the other hand, with respect to the contentious OPL 245. Thereafter, in what must be one of the most scandalous actions in Nigeria’s history, US$ 1.1 billion dollars was brazenly funneled through the nation’s hallowed Federation Account to several third party beneficiaries including Malabu Oil.
In other words, Nigeria’s Federation Account was used for money laundering. Incidentally, one of the beneficiaries – Malabu Oil – is owned by a convicted money launderer, namely former Petroleum Minister Chief Dan Etete. POSERS: (2.1) PRESIDENT JONATHAN MUST EXPLAIN WHY NIGERIA’S FEDERATION ACCOUNT WAS USED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING. (2.2) WHY WAS THIS TRANSACTION, UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS ILLEGALITY, HURRIEDLY EFFECTED BEFORE THE RESUMPTION OF FINANCE MINISTER DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA? (2.3) BESIDES PAYING MALABU US$ 1.1 BILLION, HOW MUCH DID SHELL AND AGIP PAY TO THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT FOR THE BENEFIT OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS, AS CONSIDERATION FOR OPL 245?
3. Though the menace of illegal bunkering been happening over the years, during Petroleum
Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke’s tenure, this criminal enterprise has become (second only to the Boko Haram insurgency) the greatest enemy of Nigeria’s
security. Indeed, a senior Federal Government official recently confirmed to “Financial Times of London” that at least 400,000 barrels per day of Nigeria’s premium light sweet crude oil, are carted away, effectively draining the nation’s treasury to the tune of US$ 1.2 billion monthly or over US$ 14 billion annually!!! QUESTION: BESIDES MOUTHING PLATITUDES AND ESTABLISHING INEFFECTIVE COMMITTEES, WHAT DECISIVE ACTION(S) HAS PRESIDENT JONATHAN TAKEN TO HALT THIS EQUIVALENT OF A FISCAL ATOMIC BOMB?
4. Sequel to a painstaking forensic audit, commissioned by the Federal Government,
the Aigbojie Aig-Imokhuede Committee Investigating Fuel Subsidy Payments has established
prima facie cases evidencing how several companies defrauded Nigeria’s Treasury of over
1 trillion Naira between 2010 and 2012. POSER: NIGERIANS AND THE WHOLE WORLD
ARE WATCHING WHETHER THE INDICTED COMPANIES WILL SIMPLY BE TOLD
TO REFUND STOLEN MONIES OR ALSO PROSECUTED, CONSIDERING PRESIDENT
JONATHAN’S DEADLINE OF 5 PM FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2012 FOR THE ALLEGED
CULPRITS TO EITHER CLEAR THEMSELVES OR FACE CERTAIN PROSECUTION!!!
While one may give President Jonathan the benefit of doubt as to his complicity in the above listed scandals, Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke CANNOT and MUST
NOT escape responsibility since she is invariably implicated, either by deliberate action, commission, omission or dereliction of duty. Whatever the case may be, she ought to resign IMMEDIATELY or else face prompt dismissal by President Jonathan. If former National Security Adviser General Owoye Andrew Azazi and former Defence Minister Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed could be sacrificed for incompetence in their respective national assignments, why not Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke whose stewardship of this most critical sector has recorded such grave infractions?
Therefore, I call on all well meaning Nigerians to IMMEDIATELY launch a campaign to directly pressure President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to IMMEDIATELY dismiss and prosecute Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke. Otherwise, President Jonathan should himself resign from the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
After sacking Diezani Alison-Madueke, President Jonathan should appoint a globally acclaimed professional to champion the much-need reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Witness the impressive transformation agenda which Dr. Adewunmi Adesina and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala are driving in the Agriculture Industry and Finance Sector/Economy respectively.
To personally register support for the reform of Nigeria’s petroleum industry (through the removal of Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke) ALL Nigerians should reach President Jonathan as follows:
⎫ Call Presidential Villa Switchboard Number +234 (0) 9 625 3000 or +234 (0) 9 625 4000;
⎫ Call President Jonathan’s Media Adviser Dr. Reuben Abati on +234 (0) 803 400 4249 or +234 (0) 805 400 4249;
⎫ Translate this document into Nigerian languages (e.g. Ibo, Hausa, Yoruba, Ijaw, etc) and circulate same widely on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Once all those who have plundered Nigeria’s resources are held accountable, starting with the thieves in the petroleum sector, we would have commenced the reclamation of Nigeria.
LONG LIVE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!
cotnation@yahoo.com
Before we proceed further, here are a few quick facts and corresponding questions:
1. Some of Nigeria’s most prolific oil assets were recently renewed by Petroleum Minister
Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke in favour of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited for an
undisclosed amount (reportedly millions of dollars). This approval disregarded superior bids
from competing Chinese companies which offered billions of dollars. This development
clearly contradicts Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s vow when he assumed the Presidency in
May 2010, that ALL transactions during his tenure would be transparent. QUESTION: IN
THIS ERA OF FISCAL PRUDENCE GLOBALLY, WHY WERE THE SUPERIOR BIDS
FROM THE CHINESE COMPANIES DISCOUNTENANCED?
2. After much speculation, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Mr.
Mohammed Adoke (SAN) revealed that Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke personally approved a settlement between her former employer (i.e. Shell Petroleum) and Agip Oil on one hand; and Malabu Oil on the other hand, with respect to the contentious OPL 245. Thereafter, in what must be one of the most scandalous actions in Nigeria’s history, US$ 1.1 billion dollars was brazenly funneled through the nation’s hallowed Federation Account to several third party beneficiaries including Malabu Oil.
In other words, Nigeria’s Federation Account was used for money laundering. Incidentally, one of the beneficiaries – Malabu Oil – is owned by a convicted money launderer, namely former Petroleum Minister Chief Dan Etete. POSERS: (2.1) PRESIDENT JONATHAN MUST EXPLAIN WHY NIGERIA’S FEDERATION ACCOUNT WAS USED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING. (2.2) WHY WAS THIS TRANSACTION, UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS ILLEGALITY, HURRIEDLY EFFECTED BEFORE THE RESUMPTION OF FINANCE MINISTER DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA? (2.3) BESIDES PAYING MALABU US$ 1.1 BILLION, HOW MUCH DID SHELL AND AGIP PAY TO THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT FOR THE BENEFIT OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS, AS CONSIDERATION FOR OPL 245?
3. Though the menace of illegal bunkering been happening over the years, during Petroleum
Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke’s tenure, this criminal enterprise has become (second only to the Boko Haram insurgency) the greatest enemy of Nigeria’s
security. Indeed, a senior Federal Government official recently confirmed to “Financial Times of London” that at least 400,000 barrels per day of Nigeria’s premium light sweet crude oil, are carted away, effectively draining the nation’s treasury to the tune of US$ 1.2 billion monthly or over US$ 14 billion annually!!! QUESTION: BESIDES MOUTHING PLATITUDES AND ESTABLISHING INEFFECTIVE COMMITTEES, WHAT DECISIVE ACTION(S) HAS PRESIDENT JONATHAN TAKEN TO HALT THIS EQUIVALENT OF A FISCAL ATOMIC BOMB?
4. Sequel to a painstaking forensic audit, commissioned by the Federal Government,
the Aigbojie Aig-Imokhuede Committee Investigating Fuel Subsidy Payments has established
prima facie cases evidencing how several companies defrauded Nigeria’s Treasury of over
1 trillion Naira between 2010 and 2012. POSER: NIGERIANS AND THE WHOLE WORLD
ARE WATCHING WHETHER THE INDICTED COMPANIES WILL SIMPLY BE TOLD
TO REFUND STOLEN MONIES OR ALSO PROSECUTED, CONSIDERING PRESIDENT
JONATHAN’S DEADLINE OF 5 PM FRIDAY 13TH JULY 2012 FOR THE ALLEGED
CULPRITS TO EITHER CLEAR THEMSELVES OR FACE CERTAIN PROSECUTION!!!
While one may give President Jonathan the benefit of doubt as to his complicity in the above listed scandals, Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke CANNOT and MUST
NOT escape responsibility since she is invariably implicated, either by deliberate action, commission, omission or dereliction of duty. Whatever the case may be, she ought to resign IMMEDIATELY or else face prompt dismissal by President Jonathan. If former National Security Adviser General Owoye Andrew Azazi and former Defence Minister Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed could be sacrificed for incompetence in their respective national assignments, why not Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke whose stewardship of this most critical sector has recorded such grave infractions?
Therefore, I call on all well meaning Nigerians to IMMEDIATELY launch a campaign to directly pressure President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to IMMEDIATELY dismiss and prosecute Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke. Otherwise, President Jonathan should himself resign from the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
After sacking Diezani Alison-Madueke, President Jonathan should appoint a globally acclaimed professional to champion the much-need reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Witness the impressive transformation agenda which Dr. Adewunmi Adesina and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala are driving in the Agriculture Industry and Finance Sector/Economy respectively.
To personally register support for the reform of Nigeria’s petroleum industry (through the removal of Petroleum Minister Architect Diezani Alison-Madueke) ALL Nigerians should reach President Jonathan as follows:
⎫ Call Presidential Villa Switchboard Number +234 (0) 9 625 3000 or +234 (0) 9 625 4000;
⎫ Call President Jonathan’s Media Adviser Dr. Reuben Abati on +234 (0) 803 400 4249 or +234 (0) 805 400 4249;
⎫ Translate this document into Nigerian languages (e.g. Ibo, Hausa, Yoruba, Ijaw, etc) and circulate same widely on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Once all those who have plundered Nigeria’s resources are held accountable, starting with the thieves in the petroleum sector, we would have commenced the reclamation of Nigeria.
LONG LIVE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!
cotnation@yahoo.com
IMPEACHMENT THREAT: Jonathan Still In Hot Soup, PDP To The Rescue?
With the House of Representatives unrelenting in its impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will today formally intervene in the crisis.
The PDP's intervention through its National Working Committee, NWC is coming as the House, yesterday, maintained its stance on the September ultimatum to Jonathan to fully implement the 2012 budget. The House has also dismissed insinuations of a conspiracy by other political interests against the Presidency.
The communiqué from the House came as it emerged that the Presidency was itself losing the backing of normally supportive members of the House. Of serious concern to the Presidency, it was learnt yesterday, was the fact that some House members from the South-South were becoming indifferent to the difficulties of the administration in the House over the ultimatum.
The House of Representatives had last Thursday issued an ultimatum to President Jonathan to fully implement the 2012 budget failing which the House would commence impeachment proceedings against him when it resumes from its seasonal break in September.
The formal intervention of the PDP NWC follows reports of the intervention of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who was reported to have communicated with Speaker Aminu Tambuwal over the issue on telephone.
The act of intervening by telephone was something that some in the House of Representatives have seen as an example of the lack of seriousness on the part of the presidency in resolving the matter.
Members from the South-South geopolitical zone who had in the past backed President Jonathan, were, yesterday, pulling away from him, alleging that his failure to fully implement the budget was also damaging their political interests.
Meanwhile a plot to discredit the impeachment threat was yesterday afoot with supporters of the President aiming to link the threat of impeachment to the political opposition who they claimed were seeking to get power outside the ballot box.
"There is no serious threat from our members in the House but what we see is a determined scheme by the discredited opposition to gain power and relevance using the platform of the House of Representatives.
"In fact, we are not perturbed by the rumblings because we are all on the same page with the members of the House of Representatives on the matter of budgets and we are certainly not moved by the machination of the opposition," a senior official of the PDP disclosed yesterday.
Besides the political opposition there were also insinuations of members being propelled by ulterior motives such as financial gain or other considerations.
It also emerged that the NWC of the party would be meeting with the issue on the top of the agenda.
Apparently responding to the insinuations of a plot by outside interests to destabilize the House, House spokesman, Rep. Zakari Mohammed in a statement yesterday dismissed it, saying that the House was essentially being driven by the patriotism of members.
"We in the Legislature are lawmakers and not contractors and execution of the constituency projects has been the exclusive preserve of the executive and its agencies. At no time has there been any argument on this," Mohammed said in the statement yesterday. "The entire 360 members in the House are bound by the Nigerian project; our independence and objectiveness is evident in the selection of our principal officers which we did according to our thoughts. To assume that we are guided by some forces outside the House of Representatives is mischievous and a deliberate ploy to misrepresent the House before the Nigerian public."
Noting the effort of the House to distance itself from one of its allegedly errant members, Rep. Farouk Lawan, the House spokesman said:
"The 7th Assembly has distanced itself from the Hon. Farouk/ Otedola case as evident in the bold steps, we took in suspending Lawan as chairman of both the committees on fuel subsidy and education. In addition we have encouraged the law enforcement agencies to do their work according to the dictates of the law.
"To now conclude that our resolution of last Thursday was borne out of selfish motives is terribly out of place. We would, however, continue to raise our voices to the highest level where we sight injustice or impunity; no amount of blackmail or intimidation would cow us to abdicate our constitutional responsibility which we signed with our employers the (Nigerian people) to stand firm and protect their interest."
It also emerged that anger was also boiling over even among members normally supportive of the President.
"The executive has completely abandoned the constituency projects as contained in the budget that was passed by the National Assembly," a member of the House from the South-South said yesterday.
"For instance, we are now on recess and we need to go back to our various constituencies but what are we going to point to as our achievements in the last one year when we face our people?"
He also condemned the Presidency's handling of the situation adding that not even law-makers from the South-South region had been contacted for support on the unfolding scenario.
Said he: "I am from the South-south region and nobody has even reached out to us on this development".
Chudi Uwazurike, (PDP, Imo) reacting on the budget impasse said: "There is no war with the Presidency; the House is not at war at all. There is of course frustration over the major function of the parliament which is oversight over the budget. Remember that the whole point of democracy is to make life easier and more meaningful.
"This particular budget was treated and passed in such a way that whatever the executive asked for, they really got. So there is no excuse whatsoever for failure and we are thoroughly disappointed with Mr. President that up till now less than 30% performance has been recorded. And worse, quite a lot of it has not been cash backed yet."
Continuing, he said:
"so we have a situation where a lot needs to be done. We talk with our constituents; the 469 members of the National Assembly are the direct representatives of the people. So we feel the pressure. We are the ones who get this budget passed and we get to our constituents on weekly basis. If only the executive branch can actually deem itself being in partnership with the parliament, the country will move forward faster.
Source: Vanguard
SHOCKING: Ghanaian President John Atta Mills Gone?
Questions about the President’s health had been swirling for almost a year. Regarding his frequent visits to U.S. hospitals – 3 this year alone - President Mills replied: ‘’I am going for a medical checkup. I go there to ensure everything is okay. I am going to see my doctors for some examination then I will come back and continue my work of building a Better Ghana.’’
His death reportedly occurred at the 37 Military hospital in Accra.
Prof John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was born on July 21, 1944 and was 68 years old at the time of his passing.
He was the third and current President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and was inaugurated on Jan. 7, 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election.
He was last seen in Ghana on June 3 when he toured the plane crash site at Accra. The President was reported to be crestfallen for seeing the crash site. Critics however said he was looking poorly because he was dragged to that site when he was not feeling well.
He was expected to visit Nigeria in August for a one-day working visit with President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the recent foreign retail trade brouhaha. Vice President John Dramani Mahama is expected to fill the executive’s functions in the interim.
In apparent anticipation of a long period of incapacitation, the President had written to the members of Parliament with his last wishes. His letter, read today, to the MPs said: “In accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution of Ghana, I write to inform you that I shall be away in the US from Saturday, 16 June to Monday 25 June, 2012 for a routine medical check-up.
“During my absence the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, shall in accordance with Article 60 (8) of the Constitution act in my stead. Kindly accept, Right Honourable the assurances of my highest consideration. No plans have been announced as yet for his burial.
Source: Sahara Reporters
AT LAST: Remmy Mary Engaged?
Nollywood actress, Remmy Mary is engaged. The
actress confirmed the news over the weekend when she updated her
Facebook page about the development.
Mary informed her fans with this update; “Hi guys hope everyone is doing good….. I’m engaged to Jason Njoku. Great weekend. God bless us.”
Jason Njoku is the boss of popular Nollywood movies streaming outfit, iRoko TV. In 2011, Mary was part of actresses picked to become brand ambassadors of iRoko TV.
She lost her sister, Eucharia Remmy, who is also an actress to bomb blast in Damaturu, Yobe state in 2011.
Source: Daily Post
Mary informed her fans with this update; “Hi guys hope everyone is doing good….. I’m engaged to Jason Njoku. Great weekend. God bless us.”
Jason Njoku is the boss of popular Nollywood movies streaming outfit, iRoko TV. In 2011, Mary was part of actresses picked to become brand ambassadors of iRoko TV.
She lost her sister, Eucharia Remmy, who is also an actress to bomb blast in Damaturu, Yobe state in 2011.
Source: Daily Post
INTERESTING: Court, My Wife Is A Tigress Save Me - Husband
A 44-year-old civil servant on Tuesday asked an
Ojo Customary Court to dissolve his marriage, accusing his wife of 10
years of biting him at the slightest provocation.
The petitioner, Samuel Yisa, described the incessant bites by his 33-year-old wife as “animalistic and a wicked act of defence”.
“This woman is a tigress. Even before any quarrel between us becomes heated up, she will spontaneously reach for any part of my body and bite me.
“I kept reporting to her parents with the hope that she would be cautioned but now, I want a divorce,’’ he said.
He told the court that he was once hospitalised following a deep cut on his hand as a result of her bite.
The respondent, Victoria Yisa, begged the court in tears, stating that she has become a changed wife and asked the court president to help save her marriage from collapse
“I am no longer a fighter as I have changed sir and this act will not repeat itself,’’ she said in tears
The acting court president, Mr S.B Giwa, asked the couple to return home and settle their differences and report back to the court and adjourned the case to Oct. 23. (NAN)
Source: Vanguard
The petitioner, Samuel Yisa, described the incessant bites by his 33-year-old wife as “animalistic and a wicked act of defence”.
“This woman is a tigress. Even before any quarrel between us becomes heated up, she will spontaneously reach for any part of my body and bite me.
“I kept reporting to her parents with the hope that she would be cautioned but now, I want a divorce,’’ he said.
He told the court that he was once hospitalised following a deep cut on his hand as a result of her bite.
The respondent, Victoria Yisa, begged the court in tears, stating that she has become a changed wife and asked the court president to help save her marriage from collapse
“I am no longer a fighter as I have changed sir and this act will not repeat itself,’’ she said in tears
The acting court president, Mr S.B Giwa, asked the couple to return home and settle their differences and report back to the court and adjourned the case to Oct. 23. (NAN)
Source: Vanguard
NOLLYWOOD: I Need A Break - Emeka Ike
Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, has said he’s leaving Nollywood temporarily to strategies. Speaking to an Encomium reporter exclusively on Sunday July 22nd, the actor said:
“I have not quit Nollywood in the real sense of the word. What I did was to withdraw all my movies from the market, and I mean all the movies that are related with Emeka Ike…and the reason is not far fetched. I am angry with what is going on in the industry. My conscience would not allow me to go on with the decay in the industry. So, I feel that was the best thing to do, to dissociate myself from the problem and stand out! So, henceforth, any Nollywood movie would not involve Emeka Ike. Rather, I want to market all my movies on the label of Emeka Ike Production. If you want to deal with me as an actor, you have to work with me under the label. That clearly separates me from Nollywood.
Source: Information Nigeria
SHOCKING: $3 Million Gone, Ibori Lose More Loot In Jail?
James Onanefe Ibori
James Ibori, the convicted former Delta State Governor, loses $3 million to the U.S.
More trouble has come the way of imprisoned former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, as a United States (U.S.) court seized his asset worth N480 million ($3 million).
The seizure was announced, Monday, through a statement by an
Assistant Attorney General at the Criminal Division of the U.S.
Department of Justice (DOJ), Lanny Breuer; and a Director of Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE), John Morton.
The asset, believed to be proceeds of corruption, seized from Mr.
Ibori are a mansion in Houston and two Merrill Lynch brokerage accounts.
The case is part of the Justice Department’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery
Initiative.
“Instead of working to benefit the people of the Nigerian Delta,
Governor Ibori pilfered state funds and accumulated immense wealth in
the process,” Mr. Breuer said.
“He conspired with Mr. Gohil (Bhadresh, his British Lawyer) to
funnel millions of dollars in corruption proceeds out of Nigeria and
into bank accounts and assets maintained in the names of shell companies
and nominees. “
The U.S. District court of Columbia approved the seizure on May 16, 2012, following an application from a UK court.
Mr. Ibori is already serving his jail term in the UK after he was
convicted, to 13 years in prison, for money laundering and conspiracy to
defraud.
The Delta State born politician was governor of the oil-rich state from may 1999 to May 2007.
Mr. Gohil was also convicted, in November 2010, of money laundering
and prejudicing a money laundering investigation; and was sentenced by a
UK court to 10 years in prison.
Report Corrupt Leaders to us
While speaking on the asset seizure, Mr. Morton, the ICE director
descried Mr. Ibori’s case as “a warning to those corrupt foreign
officials who abuse their power for personal financial gain and then
attempt to place those funds in the U.S. financial system.”
He said his agency would work with other US authorities to deny
“them (corrupt foreign officials) the satisfaction of their illegal
earnings.”
The statement also called on members of the public, anywhere in the
world, to report any public official suspected of keeping stolen funds
in the U.S.
“Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign
corruption located in or laundered through institutions in the United
States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov,” it stated.Source: Sahara Reporters
SLANDER: AIT Lied Over Tunde Bakare's SSS Invitation?
In a letter to the Chairman of DAAR Communications, which owns AIT Television, lawyers to the Pastor today gave the station 48 hours to apologize for yesterday’s 8pm newscast, in which it said that Mr. Bakare was arrested by the SSS for his speech at the Latter Rain Assembly the previous day, or face immediate legal action.
The lawyers noted that in the broadcast, AIT alleged that Mr. Bakare was “detained for 48 hours by the State Security Service before he was released on bail,” and that during interrogation, Mr. Bakare “denied making certain statements in his speech and stated that he was misquoted by the press”.
“The foregoing statements credited to our client were never made by him neither at the State Security Services office nor at any other place,” the letter said. “By your statements, you have injured the reputation of our client by portraying him as a man who lacks the temerity and courage to stand by his words before constituted authority.”
According to the statement, the “calculated attempt to further injure the reputation” of Pastor Bakare was followed up this morning on the live “Focus Nigeria” programme when anchor Kunle Adewale, commenting on the topic, “ARREST AND DETENTION OF PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE BY THE SSS,” posited that the pastor is “mixing politics with the pulpit” and urged Nigerians to call in and comment on his conduct.
“The comment/broadcast of Kunle Adewale during the live broadcast, insinuates that our client is a disgruntled politician who is hiding under the disguise of religion to instigate a change of government,” the notice said. “The comment/broadcast also suggests that our client’s “message of enlightenment” is an incitement on Nigerians to revolt against the present Government.
It further affirmed that the broadcast is malicious, offensive and intended to disparage Mr. Bakare and cause him embarrassment and public condemnation.
“The aforestated publication has grossly lowered the reputation of our client in the estimation of right-thinking members of the Nigerian society and the world in general. It has exposed our client, founder of Latter Rain Assembly and Convener of Save Nigeria Group to public odium and ridicule. Our client has been inundated with calls and text messages by friends and associates who are perturbed by the broadcast. This broadcast has exposed our client to the worst condemnation ever made against any Pastor and Human Rights Activist.”
Furthermore, said the notice, “Our client finds it totally unacceptable that a man who convened the peaceful protest on the removal of subsidy in Lagos would be so cowardly as to deny making the said speech or attributing the content of his speech to the misquotations of the press. It corrodes the reputation of our client to suggest that a man of his status who chooses to walk the path of honesty would use the Lord’s name for political gains or lie against the press.”
AIT has yet to respond to the ultimatum, which will expire on Thursday.
Source: Sahara Reporters
WICKED: Woman Lures Virgin For Rapist?
A woman, Ukamaka Oluche, who allegedly lured her
teenage friend (names withheld) to a suspected rapist, Tunde Mesanga,
has landed herself and the man in serious trouble.
An Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos where they are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape, has ordered that they be remanded at Kirikiri prisons, Apapa.
P.M.NEWS gathered that Ukamaka was a friend to the 18-year old teenage girl for some years. The victim confided in Ukamaka that she was a virgin and would like to remain so until after her university education and marriage. The teenager did not know that her friend, Ukamaka, was not happy at such a revelation.
Ukamaka therefore lured the victim to suspected rapist’s house somewhere in Agric area of Lagos-Badagry expressway, where she was allegedly raped by Mesanga. Both of them reportedly stripped the victim while Tunde raped her.
The incident was later reported to the police and the lady and Mesanga were arrested and charged to court.
The police prosecutor told the court that the two suspects contravened sections 409 and 263 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. When the charge was read to them, Ukamaka and Mesanga pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate, Mr. E.O. Ogundare admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety each in the like sum.
The matter was adjourned till 19 October, 2012 for mention. But because they did not meet the bail condition on time, they were remanded in Kirikiri prisons, Apapa, pending when their sureties will perfect their bail conditions.
Source: PM News
An Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos where they are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape, has ordered that they be remanded at Kirikiri prisons, Apapa.
P.M.NEWS gathered that Ukamaka was a friend to the 18-year old teenage girl for some years. The victim confided in Ukamaka that she was a virgin and would like to remain so until after her university education and marriage. The teenager did not know that her friend, Ukamaka, was not happy at such a revelation.
Ukamaka therefore lured the victim to suspected rapist’s house somewhere in Agric area of Lagos-Badagry expressway, where she was allegedly raped by Mesanga. Both of them reportedly stripped the victim while Tunde raped her.
The incident was later reported to the police and the lady and Mesanga were arrested and charged to court.
The police prosecutor told the court that the two suspects contravened sections 409 and 263 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. When the charge was read to them, Ukamaka and Mesanga pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate, Mr. E.O. Ogundare admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety each in the like sum.
The matter was adjourned till 19 October, 2012 for mention. But because they did not meet the bail condition on time, they were remanded in Kirikiri prisons, Apapa, pending when their sureties will perfect their bail conditions.
Source: PM News
KWARA STATE ADMISSION LIST IS OUT (1ST BATCH)
The Kwara State University, Malete List is out. To view it visit the link below.
KWASU ADMISSION LIST (1ST BATCH) PDF File format
If you see your name on the list, don't forget to print your screening form. Click the link below to get it.
KWASU SCREENING FORM PDF File format
KWASU ADMISSION LIST (1ST BATCH) PDF File format
If you see your name on the list, don't forget to print your screening form. Click the link below to get it.
KWASU SCREENING FORM PDF File format
BOKO HARAM: Senator Get Permission To Travel Out?
A Federal High Court siting in Abuja on Tuesday
gave its nod for Ndume to proceed to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser Hajj
as it granted him an order to exit from Nigeria for the purpose of
performing lesser hajj, Umrah, from 1st to 31st August, 2012.
Ndume has been standing trial on a four counts charge for allegedly sponsoring the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
The court held that it lies on the state to prove that releasing Ndume’s passport to enable him travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, Umrah, will jeopardize the efforts of the security agencies to curb the ravaging activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sects which has caused the death of many Nigerians in the last 14 months.
“An accused standing trial is still presumed innocent until proven guilty but this however does not mean that there was no prima facie evidence linking him to the crimes, presumption of innocence supposes that one who is alleged to have been committed a crime and was arrested should be charged to court and the accused had been so charged” the court noted.
In exercising the court’s discretion in favour of Ndume, the presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, stated that the accused applicant has requested to attend to his religious obligation as well as attend his routine medical checks and noted that prosecution had not responded on how releasing his passport to travel will prejudice this trial.
“He had been admitted to bail and there is prospect or certainty that the accused will attend his trial. His request was for a specified time frame, and a mere assertion by the prosecution that the accused will not return for his trial, can not be taken like a magic wand, reasonable materials to that effect ought to have been placed before the court”.
Ndume’s application is based primarily on his personal religious faith which the court should treat cautiously. Moreso, only the living can perform umrah, so the submission of the prosecution that Ndume can always perform the religious rites after his trial holds water as the prosecution cannot say for certainty that Ndume would be discharged and acquitted at the end of his trial, the court observed.
“The offence for which he is standing trial carries a jail term of 10 years and there is no law which permits someone serving term to travel for religious rites”.
Justice Kolawole ordered Ndume to file within 24 hours upon his arrival an affidavit deposing to having received any medical attention in the course of his trip for religious rites and to return his travel documents back to the court immediately on arrival.
In the application moved by his lawyers led by Mr. Segun Jolaowo, the senator had pleaded with the court to release his travel documents to enable him perform Islamic religious rites in Saudi Arabia and seek further medical attention over seas.
According to Ndume’s lawyers, the application seeking the release of the travel documents will enable his client seek further medical attention abroad after performing religious rites in Saudi Arabia.
” We all know the state of our nation’s medical facilities, that is why he wants to travel abroad for medical attention as well perform his religious obligation in Saudi Arabia”.
He further informed the court that the senator had always appeared for his trial and had never flouted any of the conditions attached to his bail and that he will promptly return his International Passport upon his return to the court.
The court was also reminded that despite an earlier leave granted by the court for Ndume to travel which the SSS frustrated, that he promptly returned the passport to the custody of the court.
In opposing the application, Mr. Sunday Mordi, the prosecution counsel, had informed the court that he filed and served a Nine- paragraph affidavit on the 11th of July and sought rely on all the avirements in the counter affidavit and adopt it as prosecution’s argument in opposing the application.
“We urge this court to dismiss this application in the interest of justice and the security of the entire nation as granting it will jeopardize the process of this trial. We all know that this country is under siege by the dreaded Boko Haram. We hear tales of bomb blasts in Damaturu, Yobe and Jos”
Mr. Mordi also faulted the claims by the embattled senator on the issue of medical attention abroad, noting that there are medical facilities across the nation to cater for whatever ailment he may be suffering from.
Senator Ndume, in his application, did not specify what ailment he is suffering from nor the nature of the proposed treatment being sought abroad.
The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole subsequently adjourned trial to October 24th.
Source: PM News
Ndume has been standing trial on a four counts charge for allegedly sponsoring the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
The court held that it lies on the state to prove that releasing Ndume’s passport to enable him travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, Umrah, will jeopardize the efforts of the security agencies to curb the ravaging activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sects which has caused the death of many Nigerians in the last 14 months.
“An accused standing trial is still presumed innocent until proven guilty but this however does not mean that there was no prima facie evidence linking him to the crimes, presumption of innocence supposes that one who is alleged to have been committed a crime and was arrested should be charged to court and the accused had been so charged” the court noted.
In exercising the court’s discretion in favour of Ndume, the presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, stated that the accused applicant has requested to attend to his religious obligation as well as attend his routine medical checks and noted that prosecution had not responded on how releasing his passport to travel will prejudice this trial.
“He had been admitted to bail and there is prospect or certainty that the accused will attend his trial. His request was for a specified time frame, and a mere assertion by the prosecution that the accused will not return for his trial, can not be taken like a magic wand, reasonable materials to that effect ought to have been placed before the court”.
Ndume’s application is based primarily on his personal religious faith which the court should treat cautiously. Moreso, only the living can perform umrah, so the submission of the prosecution that Ndume can always perform the religious rites after his trial holds water as the prosecution cannot say for certainty that Ndume would be discharged and acquitted at the end of his trial, the court observed.
“The offence for which he is standing trial carries a jail term of 10 years and there is no law which permits someone serving term to travel for religious rites”.
Justice Kolawole ordered Ndume to file within 24 hours upon his arrival an affidavit deposing to having received any medical attention in the course of his trip for religious rites and to return his travel documents back to the court immediately on arrival.
In the application moved by his lawyers led by Mr. Segun Jolaowo, the senator had pleaded with the court to release his travel documents to enable him perform Islamic religious rites in Saudi Arabia and seek further medical attention over seas.
According to Ndume’s lawyers, the application seeking the release of the travel documents will enable his client seek further medical attention abroad after performing religious rites in Saudi Arabia.
” We all know the state of our nation’s medical facilities, that is why he wants to travel abroad for medical attention as well perform his religious obligation in Saudi Arabia”.
He further informed the court that the senator had always appeared for his trial and had never flouted any of the conditions attached to his bail and that he will promptly return his International Passport upon his return to the court.
The court was also reminded that despite an earlier leave granted by the court for Ndume to travel which the SSS frustrated, that he promptly returned the passport to the custody of the court.
In opposing the application, Mr. Sunday Mordi, the prosecution counsel, had informed the court that he filed and served a Nine- paragraph affidavit on the 11th of July and sought rely on all the avirements in the counter affidavit and adopt it as prosecution’s argument in opposing the application.
“We urge this court to dismiss this application in the interest of justice and the security of the entire nation as granting it will jeopardize the process of this trial. We all know that this country is under siege by the dreaded Boko Haram. We hear tales of bomb blasts in Damaturu, Yobe and Jos”
Mr. Mordi also faulted the claims by the embattled senator on the issue of medical attention abroad, noting that there are medical facilities across the nation to cater for whatever ailment he may be suffering from.
Senator Ndume, in his application, did not specify what ailment he is suffering from nor the nature of the proposed treatment being sought abroad.
The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole subsequently adjourned trial to October 24th.
Source: PM News
HOT LIST: First Batch Of Fuel Subsidy Fraudsters Unveiled?
The commission will arraign 20 Suspects for a start
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has concluded arrangements to prosecute the first batch 20 suspectsimplicated in the oil subsidy fraud. The suspects, comprising seven oil companies and 12 individuals, will be docked in Lagos courts.Abdulahi Alao will however be docked in another separate charge.
The companies involved are: Nasaman Oil Services; Eternal Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil & Gas Plc; Nadabo Energy Limited; Pacific Silver Line Limited, Axenergy Limited and Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited.
The 11 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali; Christian Taylor; Mahmud Tukur; Ochonogor Alex; Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele; Abubakar Ali Peters; Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdulahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo.
Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele is director of the accounting firm, Akintola Williams Deliote while Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer is a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, PPPRA.
Nasaman Oil Services; Mamman Nasir and Christian Taylor are to face charges bordering on obtaining N4, 460, 130, 797. 94 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira, Ninety Four Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria under false pretence.
The sum is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 30.5million litres of Premium Motor Spirit from SEATAC Petroleum Limited of British Virgin Islands .
In the same vein, the anti-graft agency will equally prosecute Abdulahi Alao and Axenergy Limited for allegedly obtaining the sum of N2, 640, 141, 707.75 (Two Billion, Six Hundred and Forty Million; One Hundred and Forty One Thousand; Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Seventy Five Kobo) being payments received from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 33.3 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Others include Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex; Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil And Gas Plc who will be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 899, 238, 946. 02( One Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Six Naira, Two Kobo) from the Petroleum support Fund for a purported importation of 80.3million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Also, Nadabo Energy Limited, Abubakar Ali Peters, Jude Agube Abalaka and Pacific Silver Line Limited are to be prosecuted for allegedly obtaining the sum of N1, 464, 961, 978.24 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Twenty- Four Kobo ), being payments fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 19.4million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo -Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited will be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 959, 377, 542, .63 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two Naira, Sixty Three Kobo) from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 39.2 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Lastly, Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo are to be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N979,653,110.20 ( Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira, Twenty Eight Kobo), from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 33, 627, 84 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
The 20 suspects are among the over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the on- going investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC. More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses.
This investigation is massive and extensive; and the Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that every effort will be made to bring all those who defrauded the country in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel to book.
Source: Premium Times
2012 BUDGET: Why We Want To Impeach Jonathan - Reps
Members of the House of Representatives yesterday
came out to defend themselves on the decision to impeach President
Goodluck Jonathan by September, if the 2012 budget is not fully
implemented.
Besides, the lawmakers said they were aware of the comments as well as what they described as the deliberate plan by the Presidency to misinform the public on the rationale behind their “nationalistic stand”.
According to a Statement released and signed in Abuja by the House spokesman Zakari Mohammed, said the lawmakers’ decision was informed by the fact that the growth in the economy has not reflected in the well-being of Nigerians.
He said: “This bold and patriotic step by the Seventh Assembly has attracted different comments from a lot of quarters, expectedly. Therefore, some sponsored news, editorials and commentaries choose to deliberately misinform the public on the rationale behind our nationalistic stand, for the avoidance of doubt, whilst we are aware that all revenue-generating agencies have surpassed their annual target by mid this year.
“The House is worried that this positive development did not reflect the implementation of the budget for the benefit of the Nigerian peoples.”
The spokesman also faulted reasons adduced by the Presidency as being behind the impeachment moves, saying: “This trend, if not arrested, would worsen the already fragile state of the nation, hence the need for our quick intervention.
“To then insinuate that the House of Representatives took this noble step to satisfy pressure from a political party or because the Constituency projects were not awarded to members or because of the drama that followed the presentation of the fuel subsidy report, is to say the least malicious damaging and uncharitable to the image of the Assembly.
“We in the Legislature are lawmakers and not contractors and the constituency projects execution has been the exclusive preserve of the executive and its agencies. At no time has there been any argument on this.
“Similarly, what members do in the course of the budget preparation is to furnish the respective MDAs with locations and areas of needs of our constituencies.
“The bidding processes are handled by the supervising ministries. The entire 360 members in the House are bound by the Nigerian project, our independence and objectiveness is evident in the selection of our principal officers which we did according to our thoughts.
“To assume that we are guided by some forces outside the House of Representatives is mischievous and a deliberate ploy to misrepresent the House before the Nigerian public”.
The spokesman said, the lawmakers took steps to preserve the integrity of the institution by not shying away from sanctioning erring members. He cited the bribery scandal involving House member Farouk Lawan and businessman Femi Otedola from which he said the 7th Assembly has distanced itself.
He said, Lawan was suspended as Chairman of the committees on fuel subsidy and education, and the House encouraged law enforcement agencies to do their work according to the dictates of the law.
“To now conclude that our resolution on Thursday is borne out of selfish motives is terribly out of place, We would, however, continue to raise our voices to the highest ebb where we sight injustice or impunity; no amount of blackmail or intimidation would cow us to abdicate our constitutional responsibility which we signed with our employers (the Nigerian people) to stand firm and protect their interest,” Mohammed added.
Source: Daily Post
Besides, the lawmakers said they were aware of the comments as well as what they described as the deliberate plan by the Presidency to misinform the public on the rationale behind their “nationalistic stand”.
According to a Statement released and signed in Abuja by the House spokesman Zakari Mohammed, said the lawmakers’ decision was informed by the fact that the growth in the economy has not reflected in the well-being of Nigerians.
He said: “This bold and patriotic step by the Seventh Assembly has attracted different comments from a lot of quarters, expectedly. Therefore, some sponsored news, editorials and commentaries choose to deliberately misinform the public on the rationale behind our nationalistic stand, for the avoidance of doubt, whilst we are aware that all revenue-generating agencies have surpassed their annual target by mid this year.
“The House is worried that this positive development did not reflect the implementation of the budget for the benefit of the Nigerian peoples.”
The spokesman also faulted reasons adduced by the Presidency as being behind the impeachment moves, saying: “This trend, if not arrested, would worsen the already fragile state of the nation, hence the need for our quick intervention.
“To then insinuate that the House of Representatives took this noble step to satisfy pressure from a political party or because the Constituency projects were not awarded to members or because of the drama that followed the presentation of the fuel subsidy report, is to say the least malicious damaging and uncharitable to the image of the Assembly.
“We in the Legislature are lawmakers and not contractors and the constituency projects execution has been the exclusive preserve of the executive and its agencies. At no time has there been any argument on this.
“Similarly, what members do in the course of the budget preparation is to furnish the respective MDAs with locations and areas of needs of our constituencies.
“The bidding processes are handled by the supervising ministries. The entire 360 members in the House are bound by the Nigerian project, our independence and objectiveness is evident in the selection of our principal officers which we did according to our thoughts.
“To assume that we are guided by some forces outside the House of Representatives is mischievous and a deliberate ploy to misrepresent the House before the Nigerian public”.
The spokesman said, the lawmakers took steps to preserve the integrity of the institution by not shying away from sanctioning erring members. He cited the bribery scandal involving House member Farouk Lawan and businessman Femi Otedola from which he said the 7th Assembly has distanced itself.
He said, Lawan was suspended as Chairman of the committees on fuel subsidy and education, and the House encouraged law enforcement agencies to do their work according to the dictates of the law.
“To now conclude that our resolution on Thursday is borne out of selfish motives is terribly out of place, We would, however, continue to raise our voices to the highest ebb where we sight injustice or impunity; no amount of blackmail or intimidation would cow us to abdicate our constitutional responsibility which we signed with our employers (the Nigerian people) to stand firm and protect their interest,” Mohammed added.
Source: Daily Post
SURPRISING: Ghana Deny Nigerians Entry Over Fake Yellow Fever Card?
A DIPLOMATIC row may soon arise between Nigeria
and Ghana as the country is said to be denying Nigerians entry over
alleged fake yellow fever cards.
Some Nigerian travellers to Accra told The Guardian that they were recently subjected to inhuman treatment at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, over yellow fever vaccination.
The Guardian learnt that all the yellow fever cards from Nigeria were presumed fake and international passports of such Nigerians seized and the Ghanaian immigration officials insisting that the affected persons get Ghana’s yellow fever cards at the cost of N2,000 before their documents could be released to them.
According to one of the affected Nigerians, “on June 29, 2012, there were two last flights by Aero and Arik that landed almost simultaneously at about 6.10 p.m. Nigerian time. Immediately, the health officials mounted an unconventional roadblock on the way to the immigration points. Every vaccination card issued in Nigeria was presumed fake. We were all asked to move to a side after all our international passports have been seized.
“New vaccination cards were issued to us after injecting us with the vaccine and a fee of N2, 000 charged for that which was paid in Nigerian currency. Charging for this in naira is curious. A pregnant woman was issued only with a card when she told them she is pregnant but after parting with N2, 000,” he added.
He said attention was not paid to new international arrivals consisting of whites and blacks on board, stressing that on inquiry, “the health officials claimed ignorance of such arrivals, disclosing that they were only after Nigerians.
“We were held for hours that day. To confirm extortion of money from Nigerians, why should they collect money from a pregnant woman who was not jabbed an injection? Why should we be paying in Naira and why should every yellow fever card issued in Nigeria be presumed fake? Do the health officials of foreign countries have the powers to seize the passports of travellers/visitors to their countries? he queried.
Source: Guardian
Some Nigerian travellers to Accra told The Guardian that they were recently subjected to inhuman treatment at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, over yellow fever vaccination.
The Guardian learnt that all the yellow fever cards from Nigeria were presumed fake and international passports of such Nigerians seized and the Ghanaian immigration officials insisting that the affected persons get Ghana’s yellow fever cards at the cost of N2,000 before their documents could be released to them.
According to one of the affected Nigerians, “on June 29, 2012, there were two last flights by Aero and Arik that landed almost simultaneously at about 6.10 p.m. Nigerian time. Immediately, the health officials mounted an unconventional roadblock on the way to the immigration points. Every vaccination card issued in Nigeria was presumed fake. We were all asked to move to a side after all our international passports have been seized.
“New vaccination cards were issued to us after injecting us with the vaccine and a fee of N2, 000 charged for that which was paid in Nigerian currency. Charging for this in naira is curious. A pregnant woman was issued only with a card when she told them she is pregnant but after parting with N2, 000,” he added.
He said attention was not paid to new international arrivals consisting of whites and blacks on board, stressing that on inquiry, “the health officials claimed ignorance of such arrivals, disclosing that they were only after Nigerians.
“We were held for hours that day. To confirm extortion of money from Nigerians, why should they collect money from a pregnant woman who was not jabbed an injection? Why should we be paying in Naira and why should every yellow fever card issued in Nigeria be presumed fake? Do the health officials of foreign countries have the powers to seize the passports of travellers/visitors to their countries? he queried.
Source: Guardian
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