Ocholi’s Death: We Smell Rat – Family

March 8, 2016

Family members of the late Minister of State for Labour and productivity, James Ocholi have indicated that they smelly rat in the death of their bread winner. Ocholi died on Sunday in a road crash along with his wife, Blessing; and son, Joshua as well his driver.

The driver was accused of taking photographs and posting them to the Internet after the accident even as the family members said that he should have been unconscious.
They also queried the behaviour of the driver and Ocholi’s orderly who they accused of allowing the scene of the accident to be turned into a photo session one with several photographs of the accident.
The family is also working on the theory that the door by which Ocholi sat was not locked; hence he was flung out of the vehicle as it somersaulted and he could barely be recognized

The family members, led by Ocholi’s uncle, Abdallah Ali, asked the minister of labour, Dr. Chris Ngige who visited the house of Ocholi in Abuja to investigate how the driver, who eventually died, was employed and if truly some incidents happened during the trip.

“When James Ocholi was told to work with you, I knew he was in good hands because the last time I saw you was in Anambra State, we ate with you in your house as a governor. This man that just died is not a lone person. We leave this responsibility in your care.
“Whoever recruited the driver and posted him should be investigated. It can happen to anybody. It can happen to any minister. It can happen because it has happened.
“So, we want to know who recruited the driver and at what speed (he was driving during) to the extent that the corpse of the deceased cannot even be recognized. Can you imagine that?
“I am worried. It is worrisome.”
In his response, Ngige said: “The acting Permanent Secretary is here. She is the one in charge of human resources. We will find out and investigate it.
“We will do, but I can tell you that our personal drivers are known to us and we both keep our personal drivers. We will find out and investigate this.” [myad]

Farouk-Gate: I Collected $100,000 From Otedola For Him – Emenalo

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

The clerk to the then House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, ‎Boniface Emenalo has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Lugbe, how he collected $100,000 from billionaire, Femi Otedola in 2012 as part of the alleged $3 million bribe promised to the then chairman of the committee, Farouk Lawan.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Lawan for allegedly “corruptly” collecting $500,000 out of the $3m bribe he requested from Otedola in exchange for the removal of the name of the businessman’s company from the list of firms indicted by the House committee for abusing the fuel subsidy regime in 2012.

‎Emenalo, testifying as the first prosecution witness before Justice Angela Otakula, today, said he collected the sum of $100,000 from the businessman in $100 bills.

“I came across Femi Otedola during this assignment on April 24, 2012. I received persistent calls from Mr. Otedola in the morning and reported to Lawan and he asked him to play along with him and that he was with him the previous night.

“When Otedola called again, he asked me to come over to his house, gave me the description. When I got there, he also confirmed that he was with my chairman the previous night. He gave me two bundles of dollar bills in $100 denomination. Each bundle was $50,000 making it $100,000 that were not converted.

“When I got back to the office, I wrote a memo forwarding the money to my chairman that same April 24, 2012 which he took from me.”

A copy of the memo was tendered before the court and marked Exhibit PW1 C.

The defence led by Mike Ozekhome (SAN), did not object to the admissibility of ‎the document.

During cross-examination, Emenalo told the court that he was surprised when he read in the newspapers that Otedola actually gave him $120,000.

Emenalo, who was led in evidence by the lead prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, said Otedola’s three companies: Zenon oil and gas, AP and Forte oil were named in the subsidy report.

Ozekhome, however, sought an adjournment to serve the prosecution notice to produce additional statement made by the witness as contained in their proof of evidence.

The judge adjourned the case to April 12 and 13, 2016 for continuation of trial and cross examination.

Justice Otakula, had on February 2, overruled the objection of the defence counsel, Mr. Sekop Zumka, to the admissibility of the documents over non-payment of the certification fees.

Emenalo was initially charged along with Lawan with respect to the bribery charges.

Both of them were first arraigned before Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, then of the FCT High Court on February 2, 2013.

But a later amendment to the charges by the ICPC saw Emenalo’s name removed as a defendant.

Lawan is now the sole accused person in the case.

The case was re-assigned to Justice Adebukola Banjoko after Justice Oniyangi was elevated to the position of a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

The case was further re-assigned to Justice Otakula in Lugbe Division of the FCT High Court following the withdrawal of Justice Banjoko from the case in November 2014.

The amended charges now comprising three counts instead of the previous seven now indicate that Lawan corruptly asked for $3m from Otedola and did corruptly collect $500,000 from the business man.

The offences are said to be contrary to sections 8(1) (a) and 17(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under sections (8(1) and 17(1) of the same Act. [myad]

Pastor Allegedly Rape Church Member In Uncompleted Building

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

A 29-year old Pastor in charge of Christ Command Mission in Onicha-Igboeze, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi state, David Ibe, has been alleged to have raped one Miss Nnenaya Okute, a member of his congregation in an uncompleted building.

According to the Ebonyi state police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, who confirmed the incidence today in Abakaliki, the state capital, the pastor lured the victim to an uncompleted building at Umuobunna Uburu and raped her.
“The suspect is an impostor who is among those claiming to be pastor but dent God’s image through their atrocities.

“He has been arrested and has confessed to committing the crime, though he claimed that she refused to marry him after investing heavily on her.

“It is terrible that he choose to rape the girl for refusing to marry him, as he will be used to set example to others who commit such crimes.”

He said that investigations in the matter was still ongoing even as he warned the public to be mindful of “evil men in cassocks.’’ [myad]

PDP Will Not Allow APC Government To Degenerate Into Totalitarianism – Ekweremadu

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is the leading opposition in Nigeria, would not allow the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) government to degenerate into totalitarianism.

Ekweremadu, who is the highest elected public office holder in the PDP, gave the assurances today while welcoming leaders of the party to the National Executive Council (NEC), meeting of the PDP, held at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

“PDP has won almost all the bye elections conducted all over the country so far. I would like to thank Nigerians for their confidence and faith in PDP. I would like to assure the people that PDP would continue to serve them better and we are going to ensure that there is veritable opposition in the land.

“We are going to ensure that the government of Nigeria does not degenerate into totalitarianism. We are going to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens and hold the government responsible for their promises to the people of Nigeria.

“As a party, we will continue to be responsible in our conduct. We are going to ensure that we lead by example in the states that PDP controls.

“Once more, I would like to congratulate our National Chairman. Our party men and women all over the country and beyond believe that with you, they are going to have credible congresses and convention that will ultimately reposition our party. You can count on the support of our party members.

“We would like to enjoin the press to continue to support the PDP and to partner with us to ensure that there is good governance in our land.” [myad]

INEC Approves 44 Groups To Observe FCT Council Elections

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 44 Observer groups to participate in the FCT Area Council Elections scheduled for March 19.

The approval, according to a statement from the Commission, is sequel to the initial applications as contained in the completed Form EPMC 01 and assessed by the Commission.

According to the Commission, the approved Observer groups are to obtain, complete and return Form EPMC 002 for the Elections from the Elections and Party Monitoring Department, INEC Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja between 8.00am and 4.00am (Monday-Friday) starting from February 24 to March 7.

The Commission also said the date for distribution of observer kits in the FCT Area Councils will be communicated in due course and that any further enquiries should be directed to the Director, Elections and Party Monitoring Department.

The approved groups are as follows:

S/NO	ORGANISATION
	DOMESTIC
1.	National Association of State Assembly Legislators (NASAL)
2.	West African Network of Election Observers (WANEO)
3.	Diaspora Advocacy for a new Dawn Initiative in Nigeria
4.	Africa For Millennium Change Initiative
5.	Research Initiative for Sustainable Development and Gender Awareness (RISDGA)
6.	African Initiative for Sustainable Positive Development
7.	Network of Civil Society Organization in Nigeria
8.	Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission in Nigeria
9.	African Christian Care Trust Organization
10.	Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness
11.	Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution
12.	Community Life Project (Reclaim Naija)
13.	Global Women Empowerment Association
14.	Human Right and Relief Charity Organization
15.	Int’l Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre
16.	Centre for Strategy, Ethics and Values
17.	Centre for Civic Education (Transition Monitoring Group) (TMG)
18.	Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA)
19.	Justice & Equity Organization
20.	Arewa Consultative Women Organization
21.	African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development
22.	Centre for Strategic Conflict Management
23.	International Noble Initiative Club
24.	Restoration for Truth Rights Initiative
25.	Patriotic Women Foundation
26.	Citizens Rights and Leadership Initiative
27.	Nigeria Bar Association (NBA)
28.	Global Network for Peace Building
29.	Connected Development Initiative (CODE)
30.	Gamji Members Association
31.	African Youths International Development Foundation
32.	African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council
33.	Global Agenda for Total Emancipation
34.	Youth Education on Human Rights and Civic Responsibilities
35.	Civic Liberties Organization (CLO)
36.	Nigeria Vote Count Campaigners
37.	Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development
38.	International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
39.	Orient Foundation for Social Justice and Civic Education
40.	Women Initiative for a Better Nigeria
41	Election Monitor
42.	Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (PLAC)
43.	New-View Global Initiative for Youth and Women Development
44.	NEPAD Nigeria

[myad]

Nigeria: The Economic Upside, By Kemi Adeosun

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

Nigerians voted for change and to attain that change there is a need to do things differently, in the recognition that doing what we have always done will only result in more of the same. That change has started with the vital offensive against corruption, which has had a huge and adverse effect on our economy. Much of the debilitating underinvestment in our infrastructure that has handicapped our economic growth, has arisen because funds were diverted to enrich a few at the expense of the wider populace. At the lower levels, the waste, inefficiency and culture of non-performance have, like a financial cancer, eaten away at our core institutions. We are already beginning to see change. The slide towards self-destruction has slowed down but we must now work collectively to ensure that we exploit the upside from our situation.
Globally the downturn has hit all nations, rich and poor alike. The manner in which governments have intervened to protect their economies have been diverse and innovative. What is abundantly clear is the fact that the previous consensus about what is best for the global economy is rapidly changing. There is a concerted move towards individualism rather than collectivism. The new normal for the global economy is that there is no normal, each nation must painstakingly work out the best path to follow.
For Nigeria, we believe that the best path to follow is to invest in infrastructure that will unlock the potential in the non oil sectors. We can transition from being a commodity economy to an industrialized, regionally dominant one. Oil is important but clearly, oil it not enough. Iran is a very recent and relevant example of living without oil. The sanctions that embargoed Iran’s oil led to the development of robust petrochemical and other export industries that enabled the country to survive. Iran survived without oil, made tough decisions and is now being feted by investors as the next growth story.
The focus of our economic policy is to redress the infrastructure deficit, unlock the rich diversity in the economy with a determined and focused turnaround programme. For us it would be a tragedy to have endured so much pain and not emerge better and stronger. The provision of a spending stimulus to the economy is critical to releasing the upside in the economy. Investing specifically in Power and Transportation will release the opportunities in solid minerals, manufacturing and agriculture.
However, government spending alone is insufficient to bridge the infrastructure gap and there is a need to embrace private capital to provide additional impact. We are at an advanced stage of reforming the process for Public Private Partnerships to provide a seamless pathway to attracting much needed private, financial and operational input to service delivery. Private capital brings more than financial resources; it also brings discipline and best practice, creating a benchmark against which the utilisation of public money can be measured.
It is important to link the fiscal housekeeping initiatives that we have started with the wider economic strategy. Specifically, questions around the focus on corruption and the elimination of ghost workers, controlling inefficient spending and preventing revenue leakages, need to be evaluated in the context of how it impacts our ability to stimulate the economy. We have been increasing our level of borrowing annually, and much of that is used to fund recurrent spending. Indeed in 2015 just 10% of spending went to capital items. We spent more on travel, training and stationery than on roads. No nation has ever developed with such consistent underinvestment in capital.
Growing the economy at a rate that will address the employment needs of our huge population requires a fundamental change in how government collects its revenues and spends. The 2016 budget is deficit financed; and the fiscal housekeeping which is aggressively blocking revenue leakages and reducing costs is firmly aimed at ensuring that the borrowed funds are channelled into capital projects, rather than seeping through an inefficient financial management system. This is not only prudent economics but it is a moral necessity, since these borrowings will be repaid by future generations. Therefore, while we focus fully on the macroeconomic indicators; we must and will continue to focus on the micro factors which collectively shape and determine the larger picture.
The road map to attaining our objectives is a tough one, and we may endure the financial pain for longer than we would prefer, but the upside is that we have actually already endured the worst part of the adjustment cycle. The outlook for oil prices is looking more positive but we are fundamentally determined to ignore oil. One word that will resonate across all that we do in government is ‘Discipline’. Financial discipline is going to be a game changer in shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy.
Our focus will make sure that ‘every naira counts’ irrespective of its source. The government is ready and determined to lead this crusade of financial responsibility. The big questions are:
§ Is the populace ready to do the right thing in their respective areas of operations?
§ Are we willing to be frugal and conservative in expenditure?
§ Are we as custodians of the nation’s wealth willing to manage the resources entrusted to us with care, knowing that someday we will be called to account?
§ Are we willing to confront those who mismanage our collective wealth regardless of the consequences?
§ Dare we look at what worked successfully in the 50s and 60s, and then modernise and re-enact them?
§ Dare we look at global trends, and courageously invest in our forecasted choices?
Nigeria stands on the threshold, daring to move into previously uncharted territory through identifying and embracing novel economic and fiscal policy stratagems that will release our considerable upside. We are for innovation to create a new workable path, courage, and discipline to implement and build a resilient economy that is not controlled by the oil price.

Kemi Adeosun is current Nigeria’s Minister of Finance. [myad]

FCT Minister Describes Late Ocholi As Exceptional Team-Player, Loyalist To The Core

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of the Minister of State for Labour, Barrister James Ocholi.
The Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Abubakar Sani, said he received with shock and deep sense of loss, the news of the Minister’s death adding that more saddening was the fact that he died along with his wife and son in the fatal car crash which occurred along the Abuja – Kaduna road on Sunday.
Bello described Ocholi as an exceptional team player and a loyalist to the core, stressing that his commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda was unwavering and that he remained passionate about it until his last breath.
The Minister called on the President to take solace in the fact that Ocholi died while working assiduously to actualize his dream of a better Nigeria, championed by this administration.
The Minister said that Nigeria will miss the late Minister’s contributions to national development which he demonstrated during his short but memorable stay in office.
Muhammad Bello advised the people of Kogi state to accept Ocholi’s demise as a thing destined by God even as he prayed that his soul should rest in peace.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Sport Utility Vehicle which conveyed the Minister yesterday is said to have also died bringing the number of deaths in the fatal accident to five.

This is even as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi on has said that the commission has began full investigation into the causes of the crash of the car of the late Minister of Labour and productivity to determine what led to the ghastly crash in order to prevent future occurrence,

The FRSC also commiserates with President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council and the immediate family of Barrister James Eneojo Ocholi on the death of the Minister on the Kaduna- Abuja road.

According to Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy of the corps in a statement in Abuja said Oyeyemi said that the death of the Minister in the crash was a tragic incident that has challenged FRSC to step up its campaigns against carnage, saying he was personally touched and would work with relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies that could address future occurrences.

“The crash occurred at about 1500hrs and involved two vehicles: one Toyota Lexus LX570 car and a backup car. Three lives were lost in the incident. While the Minister and his son died instantly, the wife later died at the Doka Hospital near Kaduna.”

The Corps Marshal said that as soon as the crash occurred, FRSC rescue teams were mobilized from the Ambulance Point and Unit Command at Doka and Kateri respectively to the scene where they carried out the rescue activities. He pointed out that the corpses were conveyed to the National Hospital Abuja by personnel of the FRSC where they were deposited.

On the cause of the crash, Oyeyemi disclosed that preliminary investigation into the cause indicated that the crash was due to tyre burst, which led to loss of control and somersaulting of the vehicle. He added however that he has ordered full investigation into the crash to be carried out by FRSC Accident Investigation Team.

“I have already ordered full investigation into the causes of the crash to determine what led to the ghastly crash in order to prevent future occurrence,” he stated.

Meanwhile the Corps Marshal has disclosed that with the unfortunate incident, FRSC is more determined to work with the Executive and members of the National Assembly as well as other relevant stakeholders to workout appropriate modalities for ensuring crash-free roads, saying training and retraining of government drivers is part of the immediate measures being taken by the FRSC to avert convoy crashes in the country.

He noted that when FRSC trained the drivers of the Governors’ convoy, the benefits in terms of improved driving culture became immediately noticeable, saying the Corps would be working with members of the Federal Executive Council to put some measures in place, including re-training of their drivers to avoid convoy crashes.

“We are working with the Minister of Works, Power and Housing to install traffic signs at some strategic points along the highways. We are equally committed to working with the National Assembly to step up advocacy and enforcement strategies to curtail issues of speed violation and promotion of use of seatbelt,” Oyeyemi stated. [myad]

Speed Limit Device: How Effective Can It Be In Nigeria? By Eugene Rita Chiamaka

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

The speed limit device which was introduced in Nigeria with the support of FRSC, NURTW, NARTO and NUPENG/PTD to help address the issue of the increasing speed-related road traffic crashes in Nigeria has now become a controversy in the country. The device, despite the controversy, is now being fully enforced.
But the question is how successfully can this be in Nigeria? How willing are the drivers in complying with this new technology? Is the government sure that this device will help in solving the road crashes and accidents in the country? Has government considered the level of education in the country?
Before the introduction of such device, government should have considered so many factors.
In deed, the fact that the same device was a success story in England, America and other developed countries does not mean it will be successful in Nigeria.
This is because, the conditions of our roads are different; the educated level of the citizens is different and even the attitudes and behaviour of the citizens are different from those of the other countries.
Some citizen can also be very mischievous that they can tamper with the device and adjust to the particular speed they want and also, it’s officials in charge as we all know most Nigerian officials always show lackadaisical towards their job.
So government should consider all these factors before making it mandatory on motorist and making sure they put in strategies on ground in checkmating these factors .for example the government should implement an electronic device that will help in checking vehicles that have installed the speed limit devices

Eugene Rita Chiamaka is of the Department of mass communications, wrote from
Ibrahim Badamasi University, Lapai. [myad]

Ekiti Rep, Agboola, Doles Out N2 Million, Other Items To Empower His People

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

A member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 Ikole-Ekiti, Hon. Kehinde Agboola, has brought smiles to the faces of his constituency.
At the maiden empowerment programme he held in the constituency at the weekend, Agboola distributed cash totaling N2 Million, in addition to 100 sewing machines, 100 hair dryer, 50 pieces of laptop and desktop computers, 100 flour mixers and 50 power generating sets, as well as one 18-passenger bus.
The empowerment programme witnessed by Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, was applauded by the beneficiaries and promised to utilize the materials to enhance their businesses.
Also present at the event were the State PDP chairman, Idowu Faleye and about 35 traditional rulers across the two local governments in the constituency.
Speaking, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju, thanked God for the kind of Representative they have and that Hon. Agboola has always been committed to the welfare of his people right from when he was the Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area. [myad]

President Buhari Picks Ex Lagos Deputy Gov. As Special Adviser

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed the former Lagos state deputy governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina described Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire as an accomplished politician with many years of experience in public service.
She also at one time, served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State. [myad]

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