A Principal Executive Officer II on Grade Level 10, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Duruocha Osita Joel, earlier declared missing has been found dead and dumped by the roadside.
A statement today, September 30, by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said that Duruocha’s dead body was found along Isu-Aniocha-Urum road in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, “where unknown persons dumped him.”
The statement said that the Commission’s Administrative Secretary in Anambra State, Okwuonu Jude, had reported the disappearance of the deceased on September 28.
It said that the same Administrative Secretary reported the finding of the dead body the following day, September 29, saying that other staff members of the Commission, Duruocha’s brother and the Police have evacuated the body and deposited same in the morgue.
The Police and other security agencies are said to have commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to Duruocha’s disappearance and eventual death.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has entered into partnership with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) by setting up a committee to work towards the protection of the interest of telecom consumers against malpractices that may attend mobile lotteries in the country. The Committee, which was inaugurated at the NCC Head Office in Abuja, was tasked with the responsibility of articulating measures to address mutual regulatory issues, including the review of revenue-sharing formula between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and lottery operators. The NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM), Barrister Adeleke Adewolu, who presided over the meeting, comprising senior staff of the two agencies, recalled the previous engagements between the agencies and said that the committee would review and update an NCC-NLRC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed on August 6, 2018 but has now expired. Barrister Adeleke said that the Commission is committed to regulatory collaboration and strategic partnerships and has carefully reviewed NLRC’s requests and is convinced that both organisations can conclusively address issues and other concerns that have been identified in the operation of lotteries in the telecom industry. “We expect that the Joint Committee of senior members of staff in both organisations will work closely to develop a collaborative framework to progressively improve gaming service delivery for telecoms consumers and further accelerate holistic development in Nigeria’s digital economy.” He said that the Committee is expected to articulate a new MoU to address issues around revenue sharing between MNOs and lottery operators, the need to review and recommend a workable model for addressing the needs of both organisations, and present informed recommendations to deepen regulatory collaboration between the two regulatory agencies. “Given the strong professional pedigree of the members of this Joint Committee, I have no doubt that they will meet and even exceed the expectations of the Managements of both the NCC and the NLRC, and I wish you all success in this task.” Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director of Legal Services, Olayemi Ajayi, expressed her organisation’s commitment to improving revenue generation from the lottery industry while appreciating NCC for being receptive to inter-organisational collaborations. Ajayi reiterated the need for renewal of the expired MoU with amendments to accommodate new provisions that will be favourable to stakeholders and fast-track the development of Nigeria’s digital economy. “The NLRC is working tirelessly to ameliorate its functions and service delivery to stakeholders. Therefore, this renewed collaboration with NCC will help for better and efficient service delivery by both agencies.”
Chairman of Zamfara State Football Association, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has wrestled other contestants to the floor in an election to emerge the new President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Gusau, a member of CAF Organising Committee and Chairman, Football Associations chairmen, garnered 39 votes to succeed Amaju Pinnick. In the first round of voting during the election held in Benin, Edo state, Gusau garnered 21 votes, to beat outgoing NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi and Second Vice President, Shehu Dikko, who got 12 and 6 votes respectively. He also defeated Peterside Idah and Abba Yola who got one vote each.
But, while Akinwunmi, Dikko and Yola, withdrew from the race, Peterside Idah, proceeded to the second round with Ibrahim Gusau, who needed 22 votes to be declared winner.
At the end of the second round voting, Guasau got 39 votes while Peterside Idah got only one vote.
Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Tony Elumelu Founder, Chief Tony Elumelu, has called for the flushing out of non-registered and non-compliant members from the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).
Elumelu said those tarnishing the image of the broking profession and the industry at large should be weeded out without further delay.
In his keynote address yesterday, September 29 at the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers 60th anniversary in Lagos, Elumelu said:“We as an industry needs to enforce strict adherence to corporate governance by all NCRIB members. We should weed out non-registered and non-compliant members; the ones who tarnish the image of the broking profession and the industry at large.
“An insurance broker must be professional at all times. In redefining the practice and practitioners in the broking profession, NCRIB should lead the war against many of the unethical practices that have troubled the industry for years.’’
Elumelu said that insurance plays a pivotal role in any society, adding: “our industry provides the much-needed safety and security. We allow our people to save, to think ahead, to secure their futures – what we do is precious.
“As an industry, we mobilize funds and we should be deploying those funds for the broader benefit of our economy. Families receive financial security, assets are protected against hazards, and businesses continue to run.
“An economy is therefore as advanced as its insurance sector. But let us ask ourselves are we doing enough? We need to be candid and frank. Our industry’s contribution to national GDP is tiny. Our reputation could be better, our practices more professional, our promises to our customers always honoured.
“A deep, well-regulated industry is a benefit for all – not least for the professional broker – the trusted and necessary confidant of the client. It is a time of great pessimism – but I am not a pessimist. I see the opportunities, I see our industry’s potential, so let us all join together for the common good,’’ the UBA Group Chairman said.
Elumelu commended NCRIB’s contributions in the past 60 years, saying that it has contributed significantly to the quality of governance, institutions, and practitioners of the sector.
“That is why we are celebrating 60 years of the NCRIB – an institution almost as old as our country. Let me celebrate your commitment to professionalism, to education and to our industry.
“Members of NCRIB have, over the years, facilitated insurance businesses in hundreds of billions of naira, delighted millions of Nigerians with your insurance services, and ensured that claims are settled.”
Elumelu stressed the need for a deep and well-regulated financial services, stressing that the is still much to be done in the industry to realise its potential and serve our common good.
“We are here to celebrate the past, but also to look forward – let us be candid, there is much to be done in our industry, if it is to truly to realise its potential and serve our common good.’’
On his contributions, he said: “As the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, my family-owned investment company, we change lives in Africa and are transforming our continent – Financial services are critical pillar of what we do – that is why we launched Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life.
“That is why at United Bank for Africa – UBA – we transformed access to banking, made banking available to the people, in Nigeria – but also across Africa. That is why UBA is present both on our continent and also in France, USA, UK, and, most recently, the UAE, in Dubai.
“At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are empowering young Africans across the 54 countries of our continent So far, over 15,000 young African entrepreneurs have benefitted directly from our Foundation. We know that access to capital is scarce, and support networks are poor – we fill the gap.
“We democratise luck – just as we democratised banking and are democratising insurance. Simply put – financial services are not a privilege, but a right – we want to make simple, smart insurance available to all.
“Our two insurance companies, Heirs Life Assurance and Heirs Insurance Limited, are both committed to democratizing access to insurance – which is a great tool for financial inclusion, employment creation, poverty eradication and women inclusion.’’
PDP National Chairman, Ayu | Photo credit: Premium Times
Scandal has surfaced in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in addition to the already crisis bedeviling the party, as four members of the National Working Committee (NWC) returned various amount of money totaling over N100 million paid into their bank accounts for the purpose of allegedly bribing them not to remove the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Those who refunded the money included the National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; PDP National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe and the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Honourable Olasoji Adagunodo.
The four of them wrote separate letters addressed to the National Chairman, dated 29th September, 2022, confirming that they had returned the money which motive they said they did not know.
In returning the sum of N36 million paid to him, Arapaja wrote: “I observed a malicious story reported in the Nations Newspaper of 26th September, 2022 where it was alleged that members of the National Working Committee were offered humongous amount of money to silence us over an allegation of financial misappropriation to the tune of N15 billion.
“This led me to browse through my various alerts and I discovered a transfer of N36 million from the party.
“I have my reservation about this money transferred into my account and for personal reasons, wish to return it accordingly.
“Kindly confirm the receipt of UBA Electronic Transfer of the N36 million attached herewith.”
Orbih, whose bank account was credited with the sum of N28 million, wrote: “Dear Dr. lyorchia Ayu, my attention has been drawn to a damaging trending story reported in The Nation Newspaper by Yusuf Alli on September 26, 2022 titled “Disquiet in PDP NWC over N10 billion nomination fees.”
“Amongst several other allegations, he alleged that members of the NWC were offered N28 million to gloss over scandalous financial misappropriation.
“To my shock and surprise, it has been confirmed to me by my bank that the sum of N28,800,000. has been credited to my account by the party.
“I hereby notify you of my decision to pay back the money to the party’s account.
“Kindly confirm receipt of Zenith Bank Manager’s cheques of: N10,000,000, N10,000,000, N8,800,000, Total N28,800,000 to the party’s account. A/C: 1000095003, Globus Bank PLC.”
The National Woman Leader also wrote Ayu, stating: “If you may recall, the sum of N28,800,000.00 was paid into my UBA Account Number 2053101024 on the 14th of September, 2022.
“When I enquired from your office, I was told that the said sum is for two-years house rent for me as a member of the National Working Committee.
“Since after the lodgment of the money into my Bank Account, I have been inundated with many phone calls from party members, friends, family members and the general public, insinuating that the said money has been given as a Bribe to bring me and other NWC members on the side of the National Chairman, following the crisis between him on one side and the Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike/ Wike’s Group on the other side.
“In addition, some National Newspapers/Social Media Platforms have also carried stories accusing the NWC members of being placated with bribe of N28,800,000.00.
“This development has made me very uncomfortable.
“Having found myself in such an embarrassing situation, I am hereby refunding to the bank account of our great party at the PDP National Secretariat; Globus Bank, Account number: 1000095003, the sum of N28,800,000.00 only, earlier paid into my bank account.
“At an appropriate time, when things normalize, whatever is due to me as my house rent could be paid to me. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to work together in uplifting our great party.”
On his part, Adagunodo, who was also paid the sum of N28.8 million, wrote: “The above subject matter refers.
“Please be informed that the said payment has become a subject of media story and carried with bad intention by them.
“I hereby inform you of the refund of the Sum of N28,800.000:00 back to the Peoples Democratic Party, Account Number: 1000095003 at Globus Bank PL.C.
“The receipt of the payment back to the account is attached.”
Germany’s annual rate of inflation accelerated again this month, September, beating forecasts and posting the highest reading since December 1951.
According to preliminary data released today, September 29, by German statistics office, Destatis, the consumer price index–a measure of what consumers pay for goods and services–rose 10.0 percent this month compared with the same month a year ago.
Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal expected inflation to come in at 9.5 percent..Consumer prices rose 10.9 percent on year by European Union harmonised standards, above economists’ forecast of 10.2 percent.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, energy prices have markedly increased and have had a considerable impact on the high rate of inflation, Destatis said.
Energy prices rose 43.9 percent in September year-on-year while food prices also increased above average, posting a 18.7 percent on-year increase, Destatis said.
Other factors pushing inflation higher are supply-chain problems and significant price increases as the economic recovery got under way, Destatis said.
Consumer prices rose 1.9 percent on month by national standards and 2.2 percent by EU-harmonised standards.
Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected prices to rise 1.5 percent on month by both national standards and EU-harmonised standards.
National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced that it had de-recognized four schools for their involvement in examination cheating and other offences, blacklisted 29 supervisors as it declared 700,000 students successful in the 2022 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Speaking to news men today, September 29, in Minna, Niger State capital, NECO Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi said that the four schools were de-recognised “for two years due to their involvement in mass cheating/whole school cases.”
According to him, the decision was part of efforts to show stakeholders of its commitment to zero-tolerance for examination malpractice.
“Also, twenty-nine supervisors were blacklisted for various offences ranging from poor supervision, Insult, Aiding and Abetting, during the examinations.”
He said that a total of 13,594 candidates, representing 0.13 percent of the total number of candidates, were involved in various forms of malpractice during the conduct of the examination.
According to him, the figure of those involved in examination malpractice in 2021 was 20,003 and it represented 1.63 percent of the total number of candidates for the year.
“The Council has a long-standing tradition of zero tolerance for malpractice. Thus, it can be noticed that the malpractice incidence in 2022 has dropped, compared to the figure of 2021,” he said, adding that NECO would remain steadfast in its commitment to sanitising the system.
Professor Ibrahim Datti said that in spite of the malpractices, this year’s Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) was adjudged by many stakeholders to be hugely successful in recent years, adding: “tThis indeed is a big achievement.”
He said that out of the 1,198,412 candidates that sat for the examination, 727,864 candidates, representing 60.74 per cent recorded credit pass and above in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Ibrahim Wushishi, who also serves as registrar, described the process this year as a big achievement under his watch as a substantive head.
He advised concerned candidates to check NECO’s website for the results.
President Muhammadu Buhari has confessed that the signing of the Peace Accord with former President Goodluck Jonathan and other presidential candidates in the build up to the 2015 elections contributed largely to the peaceful outcome of the polls.
The President, who spoke today, September 29, when he received the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, called on all the signatories to the 2023 election Peace Accord, and their supporters, to abide by its content and spirit.
He said that the signing of the First National Peace Accord by presidential candidates in the 2023 election, earlier at a separate event today, was aimed at committing political parties, aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner, devoid of ethnic, religious and hate speeches that could mar the upcoming elections.
“The timing of the First National Peace Accord is significant considering political party campaigns have already commenced in the country.
“The initiatives undertaken by the NPC are commendable as these efforts would ensure issue-based campaigns.
“I look forward to the second phase of the signing of the National Peace Accord coming up in January 2023.
“You may recall that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and I signed the first National Peace Accord before the 2015 elections.
“It is my conviction that it contributed significantly to the peaceful outcome of the 2015 election.
“It is my hope that the National Peace Committee continues this important work post 2023.”
President Buhari stressed that credible, free and fair elections can only be achieved in a peaceful environment, adding that the signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions underline his resolve for transparent and all-inclusive Electoral Process.
He, therefore, advised all stakeholders to conduct themselves in a manner that would ensure the successful conduct of the General Elections in 2023 as well as smooth transition from one democratically elected Government to another.
Retired General Abubakar, who briefed the President on the activities of the Committee in the build-up to the next year’s election, said they have met with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Heads of security agencies, who reassured of their preparedness to conduct the polls creditably.
The former Head of State told the President that the membership of the Committee has been expanded to bring in some “young minds,” expressing confidence that the Committee would do its utmost to ensure that all political actors live up to expectations.
The NPC Chairman lauded President Buhari for repeatedly reaffirming his commitment to fairness in the 2023 elections, particularly at international outings.
He said that with delight that the off-season elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States have confirmed President Buhari’s irreversible commitment to credible and violence-free polls in the country.
Members of the National Peace Committee are retired General Abubakar as Chairman; Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Professor Ameze Guobadia; Prince Sam Amuka; retired Justice Roseline Ukeje; Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Bishop Mathew Hasan Kukah; Lt. Gen. Mathew Luther Agwai; Femi Otedola; Alhaji Ahmed Yayale; Ms Idayat Hassan, John Momoh; Sani Suleiman Atsu and Fr. Attah Barkindo serving as Head of NPC Secretariat.
The dollar has continued to tower over Naira, hitting N735 in the parallel market yesterday, September 28,as political campaign activities began across Nigeria.
According to Bureau De Change operators in Lagos and Abuja, dollar price had increased from N718 to N720 to N728 and finally to N735 within the last one week.
An operator in Lagos Island, Mallam Zakari, confirmed that dollar rate had surged to N735 as at 4:54pm, saying: “Dollar is N735 and I will buy it for N731. Yesterday, we sold N728.”
However, at the Importers and Exporters Window, rate still hovered around N430/$. The dollar-naira exchange rate was N431.19 as of Tuesday.
Analysts said that the naira had weakened in the parallel market due to increased speculations, falling external reserves, and low foreign exchange inflows.
“Lending rates by banks and other financial institutions will rise following the MPR hike. This will lead to further rise in cost of operations by all businesses, aggravating the rising inflation. This has triggered further demand for dollars to avoid more decline in the value of any funds held in naira.”
According to Idahosa, the commencement of elections also meant that a lot of funds had started pouring into campaign-related activities.
“Beneficiaries of these spending will be converting naira funds received to dollars as fast as possible.”
A BDC operator at Amuwo-Odofin in Lagos, Bala Usman, said: “It is N728. I can’t go less than that.”
Another operator, Abubakar Jamiu, at Zone 4, Abuja, said: “Dollar don cost, we are selling at N730, no more no less.”
An economist at the University of Uyo, Professor Akpan Ekpo, said that the demand for dollar was higher than the supply, especially with the many restrictions by the CBN.
“There are two things: One is, demand for dollars is more than supply. So people are going to the black market. And the process for getting dollars from CBN is cumbersome.”
“Then there’s not much inflow. We don’t export enough non-oil goods and services, and we depend more on oil and the price has declined in the last few weeks.”
Nigeria’s forex reserves stood at $38.5bn on Wednesday, which was a drop by $1.8bn from $40.5bn recorded in January 2022.
Nigeria’s forex reserves stood at $38.5bn on Wednesday, which was a drop by $1.8bn from $40.5bn recorded in January 2022.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed to religious leaders to save the country from collapse in the hand of politicians whom he said are not God fearing.
The former military and civilian leader spoke when the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, visited him at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Penthouse yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Obasanjo was quoted in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, as saying that religious leaders could make politicians to become more responsible.
“If you stand on the truth, you stand for justice and equity. It is then the politicians will not be able to mess us around. I will say it with all sense of responsibility now: if we do not watch it, the politicians will wreck this country, and we all regret it.
“And where can we look for salvation? That is where you, religious leaders, have a significant role to play. I think it’s the mistake of the past (particularly in the Christendom) that we said politics is not for the righteous.”
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A Principal Executive Officer II on Grade Level 10, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Duruocha Osita Joel, earlier declared missing has been found dead and dumped by the roadside.
