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

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.

I Will End Corruption, Insecurity, Empty Political Promises If… Peter Obi Promises

Editorial staff

January 12, 2023

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has promised that if he is elected in this year’s election, he and his running mate, Yusuf Ahmed Datti would bring to an end, corruption, insecurity, empty political promises as well as hunger in the land.

He assured Nigerians that the power he seeks is to enable him secure and unite the country, adding that he would build a country that will be the pride of every Nigerian.

Speaking today, January 12, at a presidential campaign rally at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the LP presidential candidate said that it is time to remove from the country, a corrupt structure that has given it a bad name, enthroned hunger, starvation, bad governance, poverty and loss of confidence and the mad rush for greener pastures.

“We are tired of fake promises. We have more people living in poverty in Nigeria than in India and China combined. We cannot continue this way. We cannot continue with the level of stealing, insecurity, and suffering in the land. I and Datti are prepared to secure and unite Nigeria.

“We will provide security with the police serving with a human face. No more police harassment. We will recruit more people at all levels of security agencies and provide them with insurance to enable them to do their work. We will create jobs and maintain rule of law.

“We will ensure that our people are free to move about and provide the enabling environment for trade and commerce to thrive. Nigeria will boom again”.

Peter Obi asked the youth to take charge of their country with pride, saying that they would not have reasons to run away from the country should he be voted to power.

He said that he left London since 2006 and had no dual citizenship and would remain in Nigeria to contribute to the development and growth of the country.

He vowed to serve with the best of intentions, and that he is running in the election because he had the requisite knowledge, ability, character and experience to lead, stressing that the job required someone with energy.

Chinese, Accused Of Killing Girlfriend, Tells Kano Court How He Spent N60 Million On Her

Editorial staff

January 12, 2023

A 47 year old Chinese National, Frank Geng-Quangrong, who is standing trial for the alleged murder of his 22 year old girlfriend Ummukulsum Sani, has told a Kano High Court that he spent over N60 million on her.

Frank, who lives at Railway Quarters in the Kano city, is being tried for an offence contrary to Section 221(b) of the Penal Code.

The defendant, led in evidence by his counsel, Muhammad Dan’azumi, said that he is a Muslim, an international trader and a Marketer at BBY Textiles Kwari Market Kano.

“In June 2020 Ummukulsum got my phone number from her friend and called to tell me that she loves me, and by the grace of God, she will marry me.

“We started our relationship in July 2020 and she started asking for money. I gave her all she wanted because I loved her.

”I transferred over N60 million to her GT Bank account, N18 million for her to start a business, N4 million house and N6 million for University education among others.

“Whenever I go to pick her up for dinner at home her mum always welcomes me with open arms.”

Frank told the court that in February 2022, the deceased married someone else.

”I was heartbroken and disappointed so I relocated to Abuja.

“She kept calling me and chatting with me on Whatsapp and continued demanding money.

“Ummukulsum later told me she was divorced and asked me to come back to her and promised to marry me for the second time.”

He said tht on Sept.13, 2022, Ummukulsum asked for money to continue her house project in Abuja.

He said he told her that he does not have the money and she got very angry with him and stopped taking his calls.

“She thought I was broke that was why I don’t want to spend much money on her like before.

”She told me that she has found a new love and later sent her picture with the new lover on my WhatsApp which provoked me,” he told the court.

On December 23, 2022, the court had ordered the recall of Ummukulsum’s mother, police constable and Chief Medical Officer, for re-cross examination.

Earlier, the defence counsel, Dan’azumi, led in evidence asked Fatima Zubairu, the deceased mother if she took part in performing the funeral rights of her daughter.

“Did anyone tell you the kind of injury she sustained on her body?”

The mother said that she did not take it but was told she had 11 cuts on her body.

Dan’azumi also asked the police constable, Aminu Halilu, if he has ever seen exhibit 1 ( knife used in committing the offence).

“Can you remember the date you came across this exhibit? Did you recover it at the scene and were there blood stains on it?”

He said: “yes I saw exhibit 1 on Sept.17, someone brought it to the station on our way to the SCID there was a stain of blood and visited the crime scene before I received the knife.

“I did not recover anything at the scene,” he said.

The Prosecutor, who is also the Attorney General of Kano State, Musa Abdullahi-Lawan, alleged that the defendant on Sept.16, 2022, stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house at Janbulo quarters Kano.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, adjourned the matter until Jan.12, for the continuation of the defence.

Source: NAN.

CBN Set To Wield “Big Stick” On Banks That Divert New Naira Notes To Politicians

Editorial staff

January 12, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has warned commercial banks not to hoard or divert to politicians, the new naira notes.

“We will be visiting commercial banks to ensure that they give out the new naira notes to the public to do their business. We will make sure that the new notes made available to banks are not diverted to politicians only.”

The apex bank said today, January 12 that monitoring of commercial banks will commence, in order to know those who are not giving the new naira notes to customers.

The branch Controller of the CBN in Awka, Anambra State, Benedict Maduagwu, made these known during a sensitization programme to traders at the main market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

He said: “as from today, the CBN will be sanctioning any commercial bank that is not dispensing new notes to the public.”

According to him, the new redesign notes were targeted at safeguarding the nation’s currency from hoarding by individuals who stock naira in their houses.

“The hoarding of banknotes by members of the public, with statistics, shows that 84.71 per cent of the currency in circulation are outside the vaults of commercial banks, with only 15.29 per cent in the Central Bank and commercial banks.”

He said that the CBN also redesigned the currency because of worsening shortage of clean and fit banknotes and the increasing case of counterfeiting notes by criminals.

He called on the traders to embrace the new notes, and that it would help to control inflation and bring the hoarded currency into the banking system.

According to him, the policy would help to get more accurate data on money supply and monetary aggregates.

He said that the currency redesign would assist in the fight against corruption as the exercise would rein in the higher denomination used for corruption, noting that the movement of such funds from the banking system could be tracked easily.

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