Imo Gov, Uzodimma Challenges Special Investigations Panel To End Oil Theft In Nigeria

January 14, 2023

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has challenged members of the Special Investigations Panel on Oil theft/losses in Nigeria to be courageous in finding ways of ending oil theft in the country.

The Governor, who described the place of crude oil in the economy of Nigeria as ‘’the brain of the country,’’ wondered why the life wire of Nigeria should be left in the hands of few individuals to “open the body and remove the brain.”

The Governor spoke when he received in audience, the Chairman and members of the Special Investigation Panel on Oil Theft/ Losses in Nigeria, on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House Owerri. The Panel members were led by the Chairman, retired Major General Barry T. Ndiomu.

Governor Uzodimma commended the wisdom of the Federal Government in setting up the Panel for the purpose of “reducing the dangerous crime of oil thieves who are determined to cripple the economy of the Nation.”

He said that the Nigerian Governor’s Forum and other well-meaning persons had long suggested that a special committee be set-up to unravel the crude oil theft in Nigeria and expressed happiness that the body has eventually been established.

He expressed joy that in recent times, the crude oil production level has increased and expressed confidence over the calibre of members of the committee who he described as “men and women of impeccable pedigree.”

He charged them to “find the courage to do the work and expose the thieves and even prosecute them.”

Governor Uzodimma said that two factors have contributed to the successes of oil theft in the country – internal and external security.

Internally, the said, the security appears compromised, not properly mobilized and equipped to fight the malady, while externally, the security needs to be properly coordinated or synergised.

He told the Panel that in Imo State, his administration is doing its best, in conjunction with the security agencies, to check oil theft, and that “the result is that now things are getting better than the situation we met in 2020 when we assumed office.”

To achieve better result in taming oil theft in the country, Governor Uzodimma recommended that the fight must involve the local communities/vigilantes, the State and Federal Government security agencies.

He assured the Panel of his administration’s support to salvage the Nigerian economy and improve the overall well-being of the people, expressing confidence that members of the panel will do the job assigned to them creditably despite the enormous responsibility that comes with it.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Panel had said that they were in Imo State to engage and have frank discussion with the Governor on finding lasting solution to oil theft in Nigeria, knowing that Imo State is one of the oil producing States badly affected by the menace of oil theft/losses.

He assured the Governor that going by the seriousness attached to the Committee’s work, the final submission of its report will count and in a very short while the problem will be solved.

Ndiomu said that they came to tap from the technological know-how of the Governor which, he said, they hope to apply in their investigation to unravel the problem of pipeline vandalism.

On behalf of the panel, he requested for the Governor’s support as they work to stop oil theft for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and people.

The Chairman said that his Panel will not be afraid to identify and expose those involved in the dastardly act and promised to work with the Imo State Government to, not only identify, but prosecute the culprits.

He assured that members of the Panel are working towards submitting their report by the end of February 2023.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Professor Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council and the Service Chiefs in Imo State attended the event.

Young Lady Becomes Landlady In Yobe, Gets House For Winning At Qur’anic Recitation Competition

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2023

A young lady, Aisha AbdulMutalib, has been given a house and 2023 Hajj seat along with her husband to Saudi Arabi, after emerging the overall national winner of the National Qur’anic recitation competition with tafsir (interpretation of the words of the Holy Qur’an) in Sokoto.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who announced the gift of a house and Hajj seat to Aisha at the end of the competition, also appointed Aisha, from Potiskum Local Government Area, as a liaison officer on Quranic recitation and awarded her a scholarship to further her studies.

Similarly, the governor approved hajj seats for officials who accompanied her to the competition in Sokoto.

Governor Buni expressed delight with the performance of Aisha, saying that she had done the state proud.

He stressed the commitment of his government to provide quality lslamic and Western education across the state.

The governor said that Yobe State, as part of the old Ngazargamo Empire, was known for Islamic knowledge and would uphold the legacy of the empire.

The Governor renamed the Nguru International Modern Market after a renowned Islamic cleric, Sheik Ngibirma.

Kogi Governorship: It’s Our Turn, Okun People Agitate

Greenbarge Reporters

January 14, 2023

The people of Okunland in the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State have started campaign for the governorship of the state in the November 2023 governorship election.

The people, under the aegis of Okun4Governor Strategy Committee, said at a news conference in Abuja, said the agitation that has since begun, is based on the spirit of equity and fairness which were virtues to be promoted to deepen democracy and promote inclusiveness.

Professor Mike Ikupolati, who read the press statement said that the right to rule is a combination of attitudes and abilities that lead people to set goals for themselves and to take the initiative to reach these goals.

“The quest for an Okun person to become governor has become the strongest wish of Okun people in recent times.

“It is, therefore, pertinent to inform the good people of Kogi that we are designing and putting in place effective strategies to actualise this goal.

“We shall remain resolute on this agitation until our quest receives the attention it richly deserves, especially by leaders of the state from all persuasions – political, religious, community and opinion leaders.

“It is imperative to put into perspective that the Igalas of the Eastern flank of Kogi have held on to power for about 16 years with Late Prince Abubakar Audi, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Ibro) and Capt. Idris Wada as governors of the state while Alhaji Yahaya Bello is presently occupying Lugard House in his second term.”

He said that the Kogi East has had 16 years of rule and while the Central had so far has eight years whereas the West has never appeared as Governor at the Lugard House in Lokoja.

“We hereby bring to the attention of all and sundry that Late Alhaji Adamu Attah from Kogi Central, was also governor from 1979 to 1983, making it 12 years of rule by the Central zone of Kogi.

“If equity and fairness are virtues to be promoted to deepen our democracy and promote inclusiveness, it will be natural for an Okun person to be the next governor of Kogi.

“Unfortunately, politics and political reasoning are encapsulated in the saying that; ‘power is not given but taken’

“We are, therefore, determined as good people of Okunland to demand power. We will take whatever steps that are necessary to ensure the realisation of this objective.

”With God and Providence on our side, we shall take it.”

The statement was jointly signed by Committee Chairman, Clarence Olafemi; Co-Chairman, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye; and Secretary, Barr. Tunde Bello.

Source: NAN.

PDP BoT Member, Nwosu, Resigns In Protest Against Violation Of Rotation

Editorial staff

January 13, 2023

A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former Nigerian Health Minister, Professor Alphonsus Nwosu, has resigned from the party.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and the Acting BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Professor Nwosu said that he is displeased with the internal wrangling in the party, resulting from what he called lack of respect for the agreement reached on political positions in the country.

According to him, the inability of the party to adhere to the rotational or zoning provision of the party’s constitution formed the basis for his resignation.

Professor Nwosu said in the letter: “I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and its Board of Trustees with effect from today Thursday 12th January, 2023.

“This resignation for me is a matter of conscience and principle because of the Party’s inability to adhere to the rotation provision in its (PDP) constitution.

“The journey to rotational presidency between the North and South of Nigeria has been a long and arduous one and I have been involved.

“We must learn to respect the provisions in the constitution and the agreement reached by members of the party.

“Nigeria and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) must learn to keep to an agreement reached by a Constituent Assembly (1995), and enshrined in the Party’s (PDP) Constitution (1998).

Source: Persecondnews.

Governance: I’ve Been Following President Buhari’s Footsteps – Kogi Gov

Editorial staff

January 13, 2023

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has said that he has been following the footsteps of President Muhammadu Buhari in governance, especially the infrastructural development and security as the major parts of his government activities.

Governor Yahaya Bello, who spoke to news men today, January 13 shortly after visiting President Buhari at the Presidential villa, Abuja, to thank him for coming to his Kogi State to commission some legacy projects on December 29, 2022, said that he deliberately decided to follow the footsteps of the President because he believed that infrastructural development, in particular, would outlive him after leaving office for a long time.

“You know, when Mr. President assumed office, he quickly hit the ground running in terms of infrastructure, in terms of fighting insecurity, in terms of delivering good governance to the people.

“By the special grace of God, when I came on board, I have no any other thing to do than to emulate him and to make sure that infrastructure is provided for the people.

“Once there is infrastructure, businesses will run. People will mind their businesses without necessarily waiting for government.

“And that is the only thing we can do for the people. And that is why we are elected into this office. And that is what I will continue to do. Till the last day I leave office.”

He expressed gratitude to President Buhari for coming to his State to commission some of his legacy projects, saying: “he came, he saw and he believe exactly how we’ve been able to utilize the meager resources in terms of envelope and the little we have been able to generate as IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) within the state, the utilization in terms of the project, and a legacy project that’s going to touch the life of the citizens decades, if not centuries to come.

“Mr. President was so happy, and so pleased. So it is a follow up visit that I come today to thank Mr. President, and to present an album of some of the projects he commissioned.

“And by the special grace of God, we’re going to catalogue all of the projects and achievements within the life of this administration, and present it to him and to the whole world to see.

“Mr. President was so happy, and he appreciates me, he appreciates the good people of Kogi state for giving us support and for coming out enmass to welcome him and for the warm reception.”

Supreme Court Dethrones Obong Of Calabar

Editorial staff

January 13, 2023

The Supreme Court has dethroned the Obong of Calabar, Édidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.

The judgment came today, January 13, after years of legal tussle.

The deposed monarch has been at loggerheads with some members of the traditional council over the processes leading to his installation.

In the judgment written by Justice Amina Augie and read by Justice Akomaye Agim, the apex court upheld the judgment of the Appeal Court, Calabar, and ordered for a fresh election.

The deposed Obong is still qualified to contest and this will be the fourth time he had to step down for selection exercise.

The Supreme Court ordered the kingmakers and Traditional Rulers’ Council to immediately convoke a fresh selection process to produce another Obong of Calabar in accordance with the 2002 constitution of the Palace.

Former Minister of Finance under late Gen Sani Abacha regime, Etubom Anthony Ani, and others in Suit No. HC/102/2008, filed by his lead counsel, Mr. Joe Agi, SAN, had sued Otu and others in their capacities as members of the Etuboms’ Traditional Council for jettisoning the screening process of the Western Calabar.

High Court of Cross River state judgement of Justice Obojor A. Ogar had sacked Abasi Otu as the Obong of Calabar on January 30, 2012 in favour of Etubom Anthony Ani and jettisoned the Appeal Court’s judgement that was in favour of the deposed Obong.

However, the Obong and others challenged the High Court judgement at the Appeal Court, Calabar, and was again sacked by the court and a fresh election ordered.

Delivering judgment on June 4, 2013, the Lead Judge then, Justice Garba Lawal, who is now a Justice of the Supreme Court, ordered that:

“That the 1st Appellant, Abasi Otu, was traditionally qualified and eligible to vote and be voted for as the Obong of Calabar under Exhibit 1/20 at the time of the selection process”, hence the Appeal Court set aside the selection process that produced Etubom Ani as candidate and also set aside the March 31 proclamation of Etubom Abasi Otu as Obong ordered by the Etuboms’ Conclave of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, whose mandate it is under Article 5(a) (ii) (iv) of Exhibit 1/20, to do so and it “to conduct another process of selecting a new Obong of Calabar, in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit 1/20 and in strict compliance with the rules of natural justice.”

The summary of the judgment made available to newsmen in Calabar immediately after it was delivered on January 13, 2023, states that fresh election will be held in accordance with the 2002 constitution of the Palace, in line with equity and actual justice, and the deposed Obong is still qualified to participate in the selection processes and may still be voted for.

This is the first time in the history of the throne that the apex court will dethrone an Obong

We’ll Target An Expansive Future For Digital Infrastructure, Phase 3 Boss Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

January 13, 2023

The executive chairman of a digital giant, Phase 3, Mr. Stanley Jegede, has said that the company’s drive in 2023 will be to focus on targeting an expansive future for its digital infrastructure.

In a statement today, January 13 in Abuja, Jegede recalled that Phase 3 witnessed significant growth and achievements in 2022 with the upgrade and optimization of its network for speed of deployment and self-healing capabilities starting with its points-of-presence in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

“We successfully deployed alternative solutions such as high-speed satellite broadband in partnership with YahClick in unserved areas where fibre networks are expensive to deploy either due to cost or the nature of the terrains.”

The executive chairman said that the 2022 upgrades also targeted improved services and fostered meaningful connections for more people and businesses across Nigeria.

“Hence, in 2023, one of the company’s major priorities is the increase in network and technology investments that will bolster a vibrant digital economy in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region in both urban and rural areas.”

He reiterated current projects that are being powered by new technologies and infrastructure rollout to enhance the speed, reliability, and overall experience of its service solutions.

Jegede made clear that Phase 3 will continue to optimize its partnerships on state-of-the-art cloud services, enterprise solutions and cyber security that amplifies digital transformation journeys and secures customer data across its networks.

“For ease-inclined innovations derived from technologies that help clients succeed.”

I Am So Proud Of You, Osun Gov, Adeleke, Tells President Buhari In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

January 13, 2023

“I am so proud of you. You are a true father, regardless of political party differences.”
“I had waited patiently for this appointment, and was praying fervently for it to happen. It’s a dream come true for me to see you, and have a handshake.”
These were the words of the new Governor of Osun State, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, when he was at the Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja, today, January 13 on a ‘thank you’ visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Governor said said that he was in the Presidency to appreciate President Buhari for providing a level playing field in the last year July election that threw him up as governor, against the incumbent from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am a beneficiary of the new Electoral Law you signed, as it paved the way for free and fair elections, ruling out ballot box snatching and stuffing.
“The security agencies followed your instruction to be fair and firm.”
The Governor acknowledged that free and fair elections would be one of the greatest legacies President Buhari would bequeath to the country, as the development is already being applauded home and abroad.
He gave his priorities in the State as development of agriculture, education, and investment drive.
Among requests Governor Adeleke made were the support on infrastructure development, a proposed new economic city and free trade zone, tax credit and other Federal facilities in Osun State.
Meanwhile, President Buhari promised to address the governor’s requests, after congratulating him for the electoral victory.

Apapa Customs Generates N1.02 Trillion Revenue In 2022

Greenbarge Reporters

January 13, 2023

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command has between January and December 2022, generated N1.02 trillion.

The customs area controller, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, who made this known in Lagos, said that the amount was unprecedented in the history of revenue generation by the command, and that the value recorded in 2022 was 16.07 per cent higher than the N870.38 million collected in 2021.

He said that the feat was achieved despite setbacks in the clearance value chain such as fluctuation in the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar.

“This feat was made possible because of the resilience of our officers and men in blocking revenue leakages and ensuring that all unpaid declarations and unitilised Pre-Arrival Assessment Report had been traced and accounted to the Federal Government coffers.”

According to him, 157 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N14.4 billion were seized as against 102 containers with DPV of N31.8 billion seized in the year 2021.

“Our record shows that fake and prohibited drugs without necessary National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) certification and Tramadol topped the list of seizures made last year.

“Other items seized include codeine syrup, foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, processed/unprocessed wood, used clothings and others.”

The Apapa customs boss noted that 60 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures and were at various stages of investigation and prosecution by other agencies of government.

He reiterated that the command would remain a no-go area for any form of illegalities and warned perpetrators that the command was resolute and would expose their activities and bring them to book.

Yusuf said that in line with the federal government diversification of the economy to non-oil export, the command recorded a total of 68.5 million dollars Free on Board (FOB) value, equivalent to N28.2 billion of non-oil commodities.

He said a total of 6.4 million metric tonnes were exported through Apapa in the year under review.

He listed the items to include steel bars; agricultural produce such as hibiscus, sesame seeds, cocoa, cashew nuts, ginger, soya beans and mineral products.

He pointed out that collaboration with other agencies of government had greatly enhanced the productivity of the service and pledged to continue to build on the synergy to ensure that recalcitrant criminals were dealt with decisively.

He added that the command had promoted a culture of regular stakeholders’ engagement and would continue to sensitive them on the need to comply with extant trade guidelines for faster and cheaper cargo clearance.

“I want to commend our compliant traders who do sincere declaration, pay accurate duty and obey extant import and export guidelines without violating the prohibition lists,” he said.

He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali and his management team for the support and encouragement they given to the command, and pledged that the command would surpass the 2022 collections.

Source: NAN.

EFCC Drags Ex ABU VC, Bursar, To Court Over N1 Billion Theft, Money Laundering

Editorial staff

January 12, 2023

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has dragged a former Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in Kaduna state, Professor Ibrahim Garba and bursar, Ibrahim Shehu Usman before a Kaduna State High Court for allegedly stealing over one billion naira.

In a statement today, January 12, the EFCC said that the duo are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on theft and money laundering to the tune of over N1 billion, adding that they were arrested after petitions were written against them.

The commission said that its operatives conducted a discreet investigation for months which was triggered by the petition.

The funds, according to the EFCC, were earmarked for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria.

It said that its investigations established that over N1 billion was stolen from different accounts of the institution by the defendants and diverted into their private accounts.

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