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Again, Kano State Government Files Fresh Corruption Charges Against Dr Gandunje

July 16, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Tuesday, July 16 2024, filed fresh corruption charges against the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandunje.

The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC,is being charged along side his erstwhile Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Musa Lawan.

This is even as its earlier corruption case against the former Governor is still pending at a Kano state High Court.

In the charge sheet with case number K/143c/24, the Kano State authorities are accusing the duo of Dr Gandunje and Lawan of criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds and abuse of public office.

The Source reports that the Kano State Government had, early April, 2024, filed bribery and corruption charges against Dr Ganduje, his wife, some family members and some corporate entities.

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu ,the presiding Judge, last week ruled that she would try Gandunje, his Wife and other Respondents in the case in absentia.

Her decision followed the absence of the Respondents in Court, the second time since the commencement of the trial.

The former Governor of Kano state, his wife and five others had shunned the court’s sitting on June 5, 2024.

The applicants and their legal team had also complained of difficulties in serving Dr Ganduje and other Respondents the court papers.

This prompted Justice Aliyu to order for a substituted service.

But at the resumed hearing on Friday July, 12, the Respondents were again absent, a development that led to Justice Aliyu opting to try them in absentia.

The Respondents legal team led by Nuraini Jimoh had earlier filed a notice of preliminary objections against the trial.

The Source reports that a Federal High Court, sitting in Kano had earlier dismissed the bribery and corruption charges against Dr Ganduje.

The Court in its ruling held that the charges preferred against the Respondents are such that can only be investigated and prosecuted by the Federal Government through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and its agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

Specifically, the Federal High Court had ruled that the Kano State Government, acting through its Agency, the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, lacks the constitutional power to investigate and/or prosecute Dr Ganduje on corruption charges.

Justice Simon Amobeda, only last week, while ruling on a related matter before him, chided the Kano State Government for abuse of Court processes.

Justice Amobeda held that rather than approaching the Court with same matter that had already been determined ,the kano state Government should appeal the earlier judgement at the Appeal Court .

Justice Aliyu of the kano state High Court ,despite resolving to try the Respondents in absentia ,however has reserved ruling on the preliminary objection filed by Ganduje’s Counsel against his continued trial.

The court is yet to fix a date for the arraignment of the Respondents over the fresh charges filed by the kano state Government on Tuesday, July, 16.

“Political Appointees In Edo Mere Onlookers,” APC On Sack Of Commissioner For Health

Ayodele Oni

July 16, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has reacted to the sack of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli, by Governor Godwin Obaseki on Monday. The Party said it confirms the status of some political appointees in the administration.

In a statement, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the Director of Publicity Committee, Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, stated that some of the commissioners are mere onlookers in their various ministries as Governor Obaseki prefers to use consultants in carrying out government jobs.

Condemning the sack, APC described the action as “scapegoating of Dr. Alli who Governor Godwin Obaseki had reduced to a mere supervisor in the State Ministry of Health.”

According to the APC, “the fate of Dr. Alli, like other Commissioners serving in his administration, is as a result of Obaseki’s preference for use of Consultants who he has leased Edo to, apparently to drain the state of resources.

“The Government statement, claiming that Governor Obaseki is resolute on his finishing strong objective and that he will remove any obstacles that may hinder optimal service delivery to the people in the remaining four months of his administration, is deceitful and deceptive.

“Truth is, its late for Obaseki and the PDP to save themselves from the shaming that awaits them as a result of their complete failure to attend to the basic needs of Edo people, including health care, education, food security, infrastructure, and their general well-being.

“There is no magic that Obaseki can use to complete the several uncompleted projects that now look like abandoned projects.

“Rather than searching for more scapegoats, the Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council is calling on Governor Obaseki to step aside for a transitional government that will stop the wobbling that Edo State has become under his stewardship.

“For other commissioners who have also become spectators in their ministries, the APC Campaign Council is by this message, calling on them to resign and join forces with other patriotic groups to retrieve the state from Obaseki and his group of consultants that are determined to keep the state as their personal enterprise through the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo.”

Governor Obaseki, in a statement by secretary to the state government,Osarodion Ogie, stated that “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the disengagement of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, with immediate effect.

“He is to hand over all government documents and resources in his possession to the most senior civil servant within the Ministry of Health.

“The Government thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Apostolic Faith Church In Ondo Sends SOS To Police Over Landed Property

Ayodele Oni

July 16, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

An Akure-based legal practitioner has sought the intervention of the State Police Command in a move to stop the conversion, for personal use, a parcel of land which belongs to the Apostolic Faith Church.

The parcel of land at the Alagbaka GRA extension, has been earmarked for a Secondary School project by the Church.

In the letter, Barrister John Olowookere stated that the land was purchased sometime in 2013 and that the Church had already commenced construction work with the building foundation already laid.

He explained that one of the family members who sold the land to the Church, is now using armed thugs to possibly re-allocate the same property to new buyers.

According to him, the family member in question has gone further to remove some building materials, mainly iron rods, brought to the site for the school building project by the Church.

He appealed to security agents in the State to wade into the matter to save the church from losing the property and prevail on the family member from further trespassing.

“To the consternation and chagrin of our client, the suspect and his organized armed thugs stealthily and surreptitiously went to the site to steal iron rods used by our Client for the foundation of some classroom at the site.

“And all attempts made by the members of our Client to stop the actions of the suspect was met with naked violence as the suspect and his organized armed thugs attempted to kidnap, maim, and murder our Client’s members in the process and they escaped death by whisker.

“As a matter of fact, the suspect is still selling our Client’s land to unsuspecting public members, who are presently carrying out massive development on the land, even when the court has ordered to the contrary.

He, therefore, appealed to the police authority to intervene by taking immediate actions on the matter to prevent avoidable violence and breakdown of peace.

Our Vehicle Not Involved In Anambra Road Mishap – BUA Group

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 16, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The BUA Group has said that the truck that was involved in the fatal road mishap on Agulu- Agwubu Road in Orumba North Local Council of Anambra state is neither owned nor operated by it.

This is even as the Group extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

Five persons were killed while six others severely injured in the unfortunate accident that occurred last week.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Tim Sogbeinde, BUA noted that it does not convey products for customers as it only renders ex-factory services.

It also stated that as a matter of policy, its vehicles are marked with the Company’s Logo and numbers for easy identification.

This, according to Sogbeinde, applies to all vehicles in its fleet, including trucks.

“At BUA Cement ,we sell the bulk of products ex-factory and the customers are responsible for collecting and transporting the cement from our plants to their intended destinations.

“In a few instances where our customers desire a door-to-door service, we engage our transport and logistics ( BUA Transport) to ensure delivery on our behalf.

“This transport company operates with the highest safety standards and places a very high premium on human lives.

“As a responsible manufacturing company ,BAU Cement PLC trains and retains its truck drivers with the support of professional logistics bodies including the Federal Road Safety Commission FRSC.

“This is to ensure safe driving on our roads regardless of terrain, whilst also ensuring the safety of other road users ” part of the statement reads.

Fresh World Bank Loan: Why We are Borrowing $50m For Meters, Solar

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 16, 2024

The federal government has explained the reason for seeking to borrow $50 million from the World Bank.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration said on Monday during a meeting with the United States Brenton Wood- based world body that the loan would be used for the procurement of solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades to support state government drive for stable power supply.

The magazine reported that the administration has been widely criticised for worsening the country’s foreign debt profile which by December 2023 stood at nothing less than $33 billion. The domestic debt as at the last quarter of last year also stood at over $70 billion, according to the Debt Management Office, DMO.

The administration, which came on board in may last year, had promised to be cautious with obtaining loans for finance government projects.

Critics of the government insist that the Tinubu administration has not reaaly lived up to that promise as the nation’s debt problems appear to be getting worse under his watch, having sought the National Assembly’s nod to obtain $7.4 billion. The approval was granted in December by the National Assembly.

Explaining the reason for the $50 million latest loan from the World Bank, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinator of the Economy, disclosed during a meeting with the bank’s representatives in Abuja, the nation’s capital that the loan will be used to-supported initiatives, including the Power Sector Recovery Operation and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, aimed at improving power distribution and management systems to ensure economic growth and development in the country.

The Bank was led by the Country’s Dr. Ndiamé Diop.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, the funds would be used to procure programme would ensure 3.5 million prepaid metres to enhance power distribution and support tariff frameworks, market reforms and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.

He explained that the country is collaboration with the Bank with the aims of strengthening Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing energy access to all Nigerians.

The statement read, “In its renewed determination to drive economic growth and development in the country, the Federal Government has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to boost power sector investments as a major priority area for achieving the desired objective.

“The initiative will strengthen plans to roll out 3.5 million prepaid metres to enhance power distribution.

“$50 million funding for state solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades, with measures to support tariff frameworks, market reforms, and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.

“This collaboration aims at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing energy access, promoting economic growth and development, improving job creation as well as poverty alleviation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.”

Meanwhile not a few Nigerians insist that more funds have been made available to the federal government after Tinubu ended the fuel and forex subsidies last year. They are asking what the savings from ending subsidies are being used for.

LGA Funds: Makinde Dares FG “You Can’t Tell Us What To Do In Oyo state,” He Declares

James Orji

July 16, 2024

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says the people of the Pacesetters State will determine what the government will do with the local government funds, in view of the recent Supreme Court judgement that affirmed financial autonomy for Local Governments in the country.

The Supreme court, had in a landmark judgement last week, stopped the state governments from tampering with funds meant for the 774 local governments, based on a suit filed by the federal government.

Makinde has criticised the judgment despite the fact that the body of state governors in the country, the Nigerian Governors Forum, NFF welcome the apex court’s ruling.

Unlike what obtained in the past, Justice Emmanuel Agim who led other Supreme court justices to rule on the suit filed early this year by the Attorney General of the Federationa nd Minister of Justice, on behalf of the federal government ordered that allocations from the federation account be paid directly to ‘elected’ local government administrations.

The implications, according to analysts, is that state governors would no longer be able to ‘mismanage’ LGAs funds as being alleged.

But speaking during a stakeholders forum in Ibadan, the state’s capital on Monday, Governor Makinde said how the state government manages LG funds is its own problem, noting that “we can solve our own problems ”which the state has shown with the prudent management of council’s resources.

He expressed fears over the new development, where LGAs are allowed to manage their funds, because of a situation in the past where some heads of local councils mismanaged the funds in their care, leading to many of them owing workers salaries.

Makinde said, “I want us to discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns the financial autonomy of the local government councils.

“I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We all swore to uphold the constitution but the law is the law.

“If the law is in conflict, it behoves us to look for our home-grown solution that can ensure that we have transparency and operate with our people. This is because when two elephants are fighting, the grass will suffer.”

“Since the beginning of this administration, we have conducted two local government elections. When I was sworn in, I dissolved the local government.

“The Supreme Court just basically said to us that governors don’t have the right to dissolve the councils, but why did I dissolve them then?

“It was because elections were held into the LCDAs, and the same Supreme Court has now said that only 774 LGAs are in Nigeria. So, there is confusion in the land.”

“We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18bn in pension and gratuities over these periods. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, and completed 60 model schools.

“We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some inner roads, but there are still challenges that we have to address.

“We still have a backlog of gratuities and pensions. The local government is owing about N55bn in pension and gratuities,” the governor stated.

Governor Makinde also reiterated the importance of cooperation between different levels of government for the benefit of the citizens.

“Our people do not care if the road is fixed by the FG or the state government or the LG. They just want to see good roads,” he said.

“For us in Oyo State, we can solve our own problems, deal with our situation, and prioritize our people. Our pass mark is to discuss among ourselves and whatever we agree upon,” he stated.

Governor Makinde has been vehemently dragged by not a few Nigerians over his stand on the LGs autonomy.

The governor is among few state chief executives who insist that Nigeria is a federation of states and federal government, and have been trenchantly criticised for their positions by not a few Nigerians over their stand on the issue.

Refineries: Is Kyari Lying Again?

James Orji

July 16, 2024

Since the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari assured Nigerian, on Monday, that the nation’s refineries will start production by December, not a few Nigerians have taken the oil firm boss’ promise with a pinch of salt.

There are four refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, Delta state which have become moribund for many years, a development that made the country one of the major importers of refined products despite her status as a major crude oil producer.

Not a few Nigerians are unhappy that despite being a major crude oil producer, the country still suffers perennial fuel scarcity, will other attendant economic consequences.

Kyari gave the assurance yesterday when he appeared before the Senate Adhoc Committee on the management of the nation’s refineries led by Senator Sani Musa.

The committee was set up by the Senate to investigate what the NNPCL has done so far to ensure that the refineries is delivered for production, after many failed assurances by the state-owned oil firm.

Recall that Kyari had in December 2023 promised to ensure that the Port Harcourt Refineries started production fully by July this year. He had earlier assured Nigerians that the refineries will come upstream by December last year before the date was later shifted to the middle of this year.

Responding to senators’ queries yesterday Kyari stated that the date for full delivery of the Refineries for production is now sacrosanct, and would not longer be changed.

According to him “every technical work that is required to get the refinery to work has been completed,” and nothing will delay production starting from December.

He said everything is being done to ensure that Nigeria becomes a major exporter of refined products, that with full production from the Dangote Refinery this will be achieved.

What Kyari told the senators, “Let me explain this very clearly. We did have mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt refinery, which means that every technical work that is required to get the refinery to work has been completed. This is what we announced December last year, if you recall.

“Once you are mechanically completed for an existing refinery, even for new ones, there are several technical steps that you have to take when you are introducing hydrocarbon into this plant. It is only then that you will see the real challenges of even a new refinery. And I can confirm to you today that we have gone through this.

“We are already introducing hydrocarbon under a hot situation, that’s what we call it. And I’m very sure that latest by early August, the Port harcourt refinery will start producing products.

“And of course, the new one will get to December. And Warri will also be in production. I’m very optimistic. I don’t have any confirmation at this moment, so that nobody quotes me and says, oh, you keep lying. No, we’re not lying to you, Mr. President. This is a technical process.

“We do our best of intention. You can put debts on a refinery start-up, but it is when you get to start-up that you see the real challenges, even for a new refinery. As you can see, even a new, porthacouurtģ refinery, it really has to take steps and processes to get it to full operationality.

“This is very normal in a refinery operation. So we don’t put hard debts on it because there are things that you are never in control. Otherwise, I can confirm to you that we are taking every step to make sure that it works.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians, according to analysts are requesting a detail accountability from the NNPCL on the cost of fixing the refineries so far, considering the humongous funds that has been allocated for that purpose in the last few years.

Sokoto/Zamfara National Assembly Election Tribunal Sacks Rep Member, Orders Re-Run

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hon Umar Yusuf Yabo, representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives has been sacked.

The National Assembly/State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal for Sokoto/ Zamfara on Monday, July 15, 2024 nullified his electoral victory in the February 3 2024 National Assembly re-run election .

The three-man panel led by Justice Ashu Ewah, in a unanimous ruling, held that the re-run election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC was substantially mired by malpractices and irregularities.

Subsequently, the Panel declared the outcome which had thrown up Hon Yabo as winner, null and void.

The tribunal, therefore, ordered the INEC to conduct another re-run in the contentious polling units.

The affected polling units are Jaredi Maji Kira,Mazoji,Dagawa Maji Kira, Dagawa Mai Zane, Kesoji Shiyar Hakami,and Shiya Magaji, all in the Yabo/Shagari Local Council of Sokoto State.

It also ordered the electoral umpire to withdraw the Certificate of Return earlier issued to Hon Yabo.

The INEC is to conduct another re-run polls within the next 90 days.

Other members of the election petition tribunal are Justices Helen Hamman Joda and Ali Changbo.

A fine of N500,000,was slammed against Hon Yabo.

Economic Hardship: FG Releases 20 Trucks Of Rice To Each State, FCT

Ayodele Oni

July 15, 2024

Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Ayodele Oni

Another round of palliatives to ease hardship from the Federal Government to states is on the way with the release of 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 state governments, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The rice palliatives are to be distributed to the most vulnerable persons as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of hunger in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the Minister, the Federal Executive Council deliberated extensively on the food crisis affecting the country and instructed that each state receive 20 trucks of rice for distribution to vulnerable persons to help alleviate hunger.

He said, “The Council deliberated extensively on food supply and the shortage of food in the country, so 20 trucks of rice have already been distributed to each state across the country, including the FCT.

“The Federal Government decided on this as a first step to ease the hardship faced by Nigerians, with the food relief intended for the most vulnerable members of society.”

Edo, Ondo Gov Poll: INEC Clears Observers’ Groups

Ayodele Oni

July 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has accredited 134 groups as observers for the forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.

The groups emerged out of 153 applications from domestic and international interested organizations, after a review as provided by its regulations and guidelines.

The groups are made up of 124 domestic and 10 international, according to a statement by National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Sam Olumekun.

The classification of the organisations shows that 28 are gender-based, three representing Persons with Disability, eight are faith-based, 10 foreign and over 100 others working in areas relevant to the functions of INEC, most of them with previous experience of election observation.

Olumekun added that the next step is for the accredited organisations to upload the personal details and photographs of their field observers to our dedicated portal established for that purpose.

He announced that the Commission is organizing a one-day training for representatives of observer groups on Wednesday 17th July 2024 at the Commission’s Conference Room in Abuja at 10.00am.

“Access Code to the portal and letters of accreditation will be given to representatives of the accredited organisations at the training venue.

“Details of the one-day training as well as the comprehensive list of all the 134 accredited groups have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for action by the concerned organisations and for public information.”

The Edo State Governorship elections will be held on September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo state will be held on November 16, 2024.

The commission further said that details of the elections would be published and made public both on the INEC website and across its social media platforms.

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