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LAHA Begins Probe Of Auditor-General’s Report For MDAs

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a probe and consideration of the 2022 Auditor General’s Report for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (State), said the exercise was to ensure that the Committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by MDAs in the State.

Speaking on Monday at the Assembly complex where the exercise is holding, Hon. Joseph added that the consideration of the report is in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices in the pursuit of the statutory objectives of the Public Accounts Committee (State).

“The Assembly is poised to commence deliberations and considerations of the audited report of the State Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Lagos State Government for the year ended 2022, having been committed to the Committee for proper deliberations.

“This exercise will cover the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022 as well as the economic activities of all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in all sectors of the State Government. The committee will be inviting all heads of indicted MDAs for clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General’s Report to enhance service delivery.

“The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy, and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with financial regulations, relevant legislations, and accounting standards as well as reflect on each sector’s financial performance and position.

“In addition, the committee would confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs, capital expenditure, reconciliation of the financial records with the Oracle system of the MDAs, and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State,” he said.

Hon. Joseph, while noting the herculean task before the committee, said the exercise must be carried out for the State to move forward and to attain probity.

“I urge you to bear in mind that public expectation is high on this administration as we have been acknowledged as the reference point in probity and accountability in governance by other States in the Federation,” Hon. Joseph added.

The committee chairman said the House of Assembly under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa cannot afford to disappoint the electorate, especially as the present administration is positioned to build and improve on previous foundations laid for the development of the State.

“It is not a witch-hunt on any MDA but to ensure that the committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by in the State. Let me assure you that reports of findings and recommendations would be compiled and forwarded to the House for deliberations after the exercise.

“It is my hope that the resolution on the outcome of this exercise will facilitate effective management of resources in the State,” he added.

EFCC Intensifies Campaign Against Cyber Crime, Meets Heads Of Tertiary Institutions

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has carried its campaign against internet fraud to the doorsteps of Chief Executives of tertiary institutions in the country.

The EFCC appealed to them to join hands in tackling the rising cases of internet fraud among students.

Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, appealed to them during an interactive session with chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions in Kogi State  at the Ilorin zonal command.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the agency, Michael Nzekwe, said the engagement was part of the proactive measures to checkmate cybercrime in the state.

The EFCC boss called on the School authorities to put in place measures that would discourage students from indulging in crimes.

He admonished parents to be more committed to the moral upbringing of their children in schools.

“The Commission can achieve the task of ridding the country of corruption, if every institution gets involved and actively participates in the fight against the menace.

“Higher institutions must endeavour to change the current negative narrative regarding the quality of education in Nigeria. This is because a corruption-free Nigeria is possible if every individual is proactively and sincerely involved in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Prof Salawu Sadiku, urged the Commission to ensure that anti-corruption courses are incorporated in the school curriculum and taught at all levels.

“Youths of today are exposed to a number of vices that are capable of ruining their lives permanently. We need to do more for students to focus on their studies and desist from all forms of cybercrimes.”

Court Of Appeal Reserves Judgment In Kano Gubernatorial Appeal

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of Abba Yusuf to remain as Kano State Governor hangs in the balance following the reservation of judgment by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.

Governor Yusuf who ran under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, had approached the Appeal Court to challenge his removal by the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The Tribunal had nullified the election that brought Yusuf in as Governor of the State, when it declared that 165, 663 of his votes were invalid.  The Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay- led three man Panel therefore sacked him after deducting 165,663 of his votes on 20th September, 2023.

Consequently, the Tribunal declared the APC candidate the winner of the Governorship election.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, Yusuf appealed against the Tribunal’s verdict and urged the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment.

At the hearing of the appeal on Monday, the lead counsel for the appellant, Wole Olanipekun, urged the Court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Olanipekun argued that the tribunal has created a new jurisprudence that departs from the precedence set by the Appeal Court and the Apex Court with its judgment.

The lead Counsel submitted that it was the first time an election would be nullified based on non-stamping and signing of ballot papers.

He also held that the tribunal erred in referring to section 71 of the Electoral Act and cited decisions arising from the section.

According to him, the section cited relates to electoral forms and sum sheets, adding that there was no meeting point between that and the ballot papers.

He also argued that this was the first time that a political party filed a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the latter was declared winner of the polls.

Olanipekun urged the Court not to allow the judgment of the Lower Court to stand.In his submission, the lead counsel for the first respondent, Akin Olujuimi, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

Olujimi said, “Contrary to the contention that the Tribunal created a jurisprudence, the decision of this Court right from 2009 laid it down under the regulation of INEC has set up what presiding officers are to do at the point of casting of votes. It said signatures and stamps must be on ballot papers with dates. And this court has heard that failure to do this is a clear case of non-compliance. It is not a new jurisprudence.”

He claimed that INEC admitted that the ballot papers were invalid, urging the court to dismiss the appeal.

He also argued that section 71 alluded to by the lower court rather than section 63 should not be a basis for the nullification of the court’s decision.

“The wrong reference to section 71 should not have anything to do with the validity of the decision, ” Olujuimi added.

Responding to Olanipekun’s submission that the candidate was not joined in the case, Olujimi said it is settled law that votes are cast for the party in an election and that any decision affecting a political party embraces all its members.

In the APC’s cross-appeal, Olujimi also argued before the court that the Kano State governor was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was sponsored by the party.

Counsel for INEC, A.B Mahmoud SAN asked the appeal court to dismiss APC’s cross-appeal, adding that it was lacking in merit.

In a sister appeal by INEC, Mahmoud held that the Tribunal turned the election jurisprudence law upside down with its judgment.

“What the Court did was outside the scope of the tribunal. The electoral Act does not permit the tribunal to embark on this scrutiny or recount.

“We want this Court to correct the anomaly and set the jurisprudence right. I urge the court to allow this appeal as it is preeminently meritorious and set aside the judgment of the lower court,” he added.

Counsel for the APC, Offiong Offiong urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

He argued that a trial Court can investigate documents submitted as evidence to it.

The Court has reserved judgment in all the matters till a date that would be communicated to parties involved in the appeal.

OPINION: Rufai Oseni Of Arise TV: Firm, Daring, Stickler For Truth 

By
James Orji
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0
By Soni Irabor
I have read series of comments about this young professional trying to do his job, Mr Rufai Oseni. I have the following advise to give:
When you offer yourself to be interviewed, you must be prepared. Don’t expect to be respected beyond the scope of the role you are there to play – to answer questions concerning your portfolio or responsibility. Above all, before getting to the studio for the interview, you are expected to do enough research on the subject before the interview.
Many guests are often not prepared. Some of them do not even take the advise their assistants give them (if they have assistants at all).
The host (Rufai Oseni in this instance) would have armed himself with a lot of relevant information about the guest and the institution he represents.
When things ‘go south’, such guests become ruffled and discomfitured. Some even become offended when the interviewer insists on answers.
In some cases some guests are caught in their lies and the host insists on the truth, he is branded rude, arrogant and aggressive.
No doubt a level of tact is applied in interviewing skills but this depends on the facts available to the host/interviewer and temperament of the host. I will explain this further, every interviewer has his style apart from the training and exposure he was exposed to.
There have always been bolder interviewers than others. Some are firm, very firm, daring and a stickler for truth.
Such interviewers are not easily compromised. I believe Rufai falls into this category. Rufai is an avid reader, researcher and author. He is a digger! This puts him on collision course with aggrieved guests who feel disrespected by his insistence and boldness.
Rufai Oseni even indirectly forewarns his guests that he has enough information about him or her to make him or her understand he is in for a serious job.
Piers Morgan of ITV’s Good Morning Show (a very controversial host) has been known to take sides against his guests numerous times.  It only made him the audience favourite when it was found out that it was he, not the guest, that was armed the truth.
Rufai Oseni appears to be armed with more information than the guests, sometimes.
Rufai has been employed by Arise TV to perform a good and professional job. I think he is tryingtodo just that.
I worked with Rufai at Inspiration 92.3FM and we were sad to let him go.
Are some of his actions justified? Maybe not. Has he insulted any guest? I doubt it, unless his boldness is seen as antagonistic and rude.
I think Rufai Oseni is doing a good job. Apart from fast becoming an audience favourite I believe Rufai is one of the best and boldest interviewers in Nigeria today.
Guests should be more prepared for ANY interview anywhere Radio, TV, Print or Socia Media.
His job is to seek information Your job is to provide it to the best of your ability. Which is why you should ALWAYS be prepared.
Please don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!

Supreme Court Judgement: Heavy Moral Burden On National Conscience –  Peter Obi

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said Nigerians are disappointed in the judgement of the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Obi affirmed his rejection of the apex Court verdict, which he described as breach of trust of Nigerians in judiciary.

At a world press conference on Monday, in Abuja, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) said the Supreme Court ignored rigging, identity theft, forgery, and perjury in its judgment.

“The Supreme Court ignore rigging, identity theft, forgery, perjury and does not represent the stand of our constitution.”

He accused the apex court of ignoring evidence which he said further dampens citizens’ trust in the judiciary.

“Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a breach of confidence Nigerians have in our judiciary.

“To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Nigerian citizens is drawn.

“As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, I have, after a period of deep and sober reflection, decided to personally and formally react to the recent judgment as most Nigerians have.

“Because we are confronted with   very   weighty   issues   of   national   interest,   I   will   speak forthrightly.   As   students   young   lads   at   CKC,   Onitsha,   we   were taught values and admonished to always;  “choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.”

“Setting legal issues aside, the Supreme Court exhibited a disturbing aversion to public opinion just as it abandoned its responsibility as a court of law and policy.

“It is, therefore, with great dismay that I observe that   the   Court’s   decision   contradicts   the   overwhelming   evidence   of election   rigging,   false   claim   of   a   technical   glitch,   substantial   non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself as well as matters of perjury, identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter.

“These were hefty allegations that should not to be treated   with   levity.   More   appalling,   the   Supreme   Court   judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications  and   parameters   for   candidates   in   presidential  elections.

“With   this   counter-intuitive   judgment,   the   Supreme   Court   has transferred   a   heavy   moral   burden   from   the   courtrooms   to   our national conscience.

“Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama.

“Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it is a show  of  unreasonable force  against the  very Nigerian people  from whom the power of the Constitution derives.

“This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive   justice.

“The   judgment   mixed   principles   and   precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory   remarks   by   Hon.   Justice   Musa   Dattijo   Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023.”

From Courtrooms To National Conscience: Our Democracy Is The Victim 

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

Remarks at a Press Conference by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, CON, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party on the Supreme Court Judgment of 26th October 2023, held in Abuja on Monday 6th November, 2023.

1.Fellow countrymen and women. Gentlemen of the Media, Good day and welcome to this press conference.Kindly permit me to make some brief remarks on the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, the highest court in Nigeria.

  1. About a fortnight ago, I was traveling abroad on a prior scheduled engagement when I received the notice that the Supreme Court would give judgment on Thursday 26th October 2023 on our challenge of the ruling of the   Presidential   Election   Petitions   Court   (PEPC).   That judgment has since been delivered as scheduled. The leadership of the Labour Party has already pronounced its position on the judgment.
  1. As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, I have, after a period of deep and sober reflection, decided to personally and formally react to the recent judgment as most Nigerians have. Because we are confronted with very weighty   issues   of   national   interest,   I   will   speak forthrightly.   As   students   young   lads   at   CKC,   Onitsha,   we   were taught values and admonished to always;  “choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.”
  1. Setting legal issues aside, the Supreme Court exhibited a disturbing aversion to public opinion just as it abandoned its responsibility as a court of law and policy. It is, therefore, with great dismay that I observe that the Court’s   decision   contradicts   the   overwhelming   evidence   of election   rigging,   false   claim   of   a   technical   glitch,   substantial   non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself as well as matters of perjury,

identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter. These were hefty allegations that should not to be treated   with   levity.   More   appalling,   the   Supreme   Court   judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications  and   parameters   for   candidates   in   presidential  elections. With   this   counter-intuitive   judgment,   the   Supreme   Court   has transferred   a   heavy   moral   burden   from   the   courtrooms   to   our national conscience. Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama.

  1. Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force  against the  very Nigerian people  from whom the power of the Constitution derives. This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive   justice.  The   judgment   mixed   principles   and   precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory   remarks   by   Hon.   Justice   Musa   Dattijo   Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023.
  1. In disagreeing very strongly with the ruling of both the Presidential Petitions Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court on the outcome of the 25th February 2023 Presidential election as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as democrats who believe in the rule of law, we recognize that the Supreme Court is the end stage of the quest for legal closure to the matter. As a party and as candidates, Datti and I have now exhausted all legal and constitutional remedies available to us. However, this end is only another beginning in our quest for the vindication of the hope of the common man for a better country. After all, sovereignty belongs to the people! If only for historical purposes, it behooves us to place our disagreement with and deep reservations about this judgment on public record.
  1. We have long been aware of how weak national institutions have negatively   affected   our   democracy.   This   year   2023   has   been   quite remarkable and revealing.  INEC has displayed incompetence in the conduct   of   its   statutory   duty.   The   judiciary   has   largely   acted   in defiance of constitutional tenets, precedents, and established ground rules.   Political expediency has   preceded   judicial   responsibility.  A mechanical application of technicalities has superseded the pursuit of justice and fairness. Both INEC and the Supreme Court as the referees, respectively shifted the goalposts in the middle of the game.
  1. Where the value and import of the recent Supreme Court ruling ends is where   our   commitment   to   a   New   Nigeria   begins.   Our mission and mandate remain unchanged. From the very onset, our mission has been more about enthroning a new Nigeria. It is a new nation where things work, where the country is led from its present waste and consumption orientation to a production-driven economy. Our   commitment   is   to   a   nation   anchored   on   the   principles   of prudent management  of  resources to   quickly pull  millions  out of multidimensional   poverty,   ensuring   transparency   and accountability   in   the   equitable   distribution   of   opportunities, resources, and privileges. In the new Nigeria, we aim to address all unmet needs by showing compassion for all those left behind by the present system.
  1. Going forward,   we   in   the   Labour   Party   and   the   Obidient Movement are now effectively in opposition. We are glad that the nation   has   heard   us   loud   and   clear.   We   shall   now   expand   the confines of our message of hope to the rest of the country. We shall meet the people in the places where they feel pain and answer their needs  for hope. At marketplaces,  motor parks, town halls, board rooms,   and   university   and   college   campuses,   we   all   carry   and deliver the message of a new Nigeria. As stake holders and elected Labour Party officials, we shall remain loyal to our manifesto.We will continue to canvas for good governance and focus on issues that promote national interest, unity, and cohesion. We will continue to   give   primacy   to   our   Constitution,   the   rule   of   law,   and   the protection   of   ordered   liberties.   We   will   offer   the   checks   and balances   required   in   a   functional   democracy   and   vie   robustly   in forthcoming elections to elect those who share our vision of a new Nigeria.
  1. Given our present national circumstances, there is a compelling need for a strong   political   opposition.   We   shall,   therefore,   remain   in opposition,   especially   because   of   the   policies   and   the   governance modalities   that   we   in   the   Labour   Party   campaigned   for,   especially reducing the cost of governance, moving the nation from consumption to production, reducing inflation, ending insecurity, promoting the rule of law,   guaranteeing   the   responsibility   to   protect,   and   stabilizing   the Nigerian   currency;   are   clearly   not   the   priorities   of   the   present administration nor is it interested in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  1. If there is one thing that has immensely gladdened my heart in the course of the struggle of the past 18 months, it is the passionate desire of our people, especially our young people from across ethnic and religious divides, to construct a new and restructured Nigeria that will work for all Nigerians. That goal remains my guiding light and abiding inspiration.
  1. Finally, I thank all Nigerians who believed in what is now only a revolution postponed. We deeply appreciate the unalloyed non-partisan moral support millions of youth and ordinary Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and geopolitical divides have continued to give to Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed and me.
  1. We extend   our   heartfelt   gratitude   to   the   Nigerians   who   have supported this mission  from the onset.   We salute the leadership and members of the Labour Party, the Obidient Movement, the Obi-Datti Presidential   Campaign   Council,   Nigerians   in   the   Diaspora,   Support Groups, and all people of goodwill who worked diligently and hoped for the realization of the beginnings of a New Nigeria in this election cycle.
  1. Nigerians who supported our cause have done so out of patriotism and their sincere   conviction   that   our   nation   requires   and   deserves dedicated and visionary leaders who will lead Nigeria toward a brighter future. The energy and dedication of  Nigerian Youths and the Obedient Movement have been simply amazing. I appreciate and salute them! I want to assure them that this is not the end of our journey; but in fact, the beginning. Nigeria heard you. The world has taken note and will not forget so easily. We shall endure, persist, until we get to our destination because a new Nigeria is our destination. A destination not an event.
  1. We thank, in a special way, our legal team. We also thank our elder States-Men, whose wise counsel were immeasurable To them, we wish to state   unequivocally   that   this   judicial   outcome   –   an   obvious misrepresentation of substantial justice – has by no means foreclosed the realization of a new Nigeria that is Possible.
  1. On a personal note, I take personal pride and express gratitude to those who share our vision; and who have also exhibited rare courage to challenge the nefarious system, the genuineness of individuals’ identities and their defining  and  qualifying  particulars  up  to  the  highest  extent allowed by law. Nigeria holds out hope of infinite possibilities leading to our   desirable   greatness.   I   remain   consistent   in   my   belief   in   the possibility of a new Nigeria built on character competence, capacity, compassion, integrity, and respect for the rule of law based on justice and fairness.
  1. God bless us all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON Presidential Candidate of Labour Party.
Obi –Datti Campaign Organization Office Abuja, FCT.Monday 6th November 2023

OPINION: Emefiele: 150 Days In Tinubu’s Gulag

By
The Source
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0

“This President is a bully”

By Steve Osuji

THE WAY OF A BULLY:

Nothing has so far defined President Bola Tinubu’s persona and presidency more than the Emefiele Saga. In short five months,  Tinubu has been typecast as a non- respecter of the rule of law and also as a bully.

Not even past military leaders like Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha are remembered to have detained citizens for five months and defied orders from the courts of the land so serially. Can a so-called elected president who allows security agents to brazenly disobey court orders be rightly called a democrat? Nay, Tinubu has in a very short time portrayed the very nature of a despot.

However,  the gutless bully in Tinubu has also come to the fore with the extended detention of Godwin Emefiele, the persecuted Central Bank of Nigeria governor (note that Emefiele remains the CBN governor as his tenured term has not ended. An appointee cannot be forced to resign while in detention).

As Yoruba say: the bully is always eager to beat up on the weak and defenceless (eni a le mu ni a nle’di mo).

WHY IS HADI SIRIKA NOT IN DETENTION?:

Godwin Emefiele proves to be the weakest link in the Buhari 8-year brigandage that’s why Tinubu has literally been pummelling him since May 29th! Expresso dares President Tinubu to detain a certain felon known as Hadi Sirika! For eight years, Hadi as Aviation Minister was rapine with Nigeria’s aviation sector. Hadi was a brazen thief who organised all sorts of scam and carted away billions of dollars. His final act before the eyes of the world was to hire an Ethiopian Airline plane,  branded it and present it to the world as one of the craft in the Nigeria Air fleet. Hadi the scammer enacted his farce in the purview of the whole world not giving a damn about the image of Nigeria.

Emefiele Arrested By DSS
Godwin Emefiele

In a recent interview, Mesfin Tasew,  the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines told told Hadi’s dirty story to The Punch:

“At one point, the leadership of Nigeria Air … asked us to bring an aircraft painted with Nigerian logo to facilitate the progress of the AOC (Air Operations Certificate). So, we agreed with that,  we took out one of our aircraft, and we painted it with the Nigerian logo, we flew it (to Abuja) for demonstration and for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) inspection. So after two days, we brought back the aircraft (to Addis Ababa), repainted it with Ethiopian logo and it’s flying.”

Never has a country been so hoodwinked by a public official. While Sirika lied to the ET Airlines that the hired plane was to facilitate certification of NigeriaAir, he lied to President Buhari and Nigerians that the plane was part of the new NIGERIA AIR he had set up after eight years of deception and sheer brigandage. He actually planned a fake inauguration ceremony of the Nigerian carrier. A make-believe, a scam presented less that 24 hours to the expiry of Buhari’s final term. We ask: why is Hadi Sirika not in detention?  Why is he gallivanting between Abuja and Dubai living like a shiekh?

Simple. Because he’s related to Buhari; because he is Fulani and because Tinubu has no liver to investigate and try him!

WHAT’S EMEFIELE’S CRIME?:

Let it be said upfront that just because Hadi has been left to enjoy his loot unmolested doesn’t exonerate Emefiele of wrongdoings if any. But again,  what’s Emefiele’s crime? Surprisingly,  nothing so far. At least in the face of the law, he has not been convicted of any. Not after five months in DSS detention and unmitigated investigations and scrutiny. All sorts of ‘fake’ charges have been brought against him but non stuck. When the DSS got tired of its fruitless pursuit of Emefiele, the secret police decided to do the right thing and hand him over to the financial crimes body (EFCC). They are on the verge of arraigning Emefiele for the umpteenth time. It remains to be seen what charges would be brought against  him.

And lest we forget, Tinubu also needed to clear the CBN to make way for his “boys” to take full  charge of the treasury.

GOVERNANCE BY WITCH-HUNT:

Discerning Nigerians know that what’s going on is open witch-hunt by President Tinubu against Emefiele and it must be stated that this is the worst of its kind in the history of Nigeria. Political watchers know that Tinubu vs. Emefiele is unmistakably a political diadem. The crux of the matter is that Emefiele dared to obey President Buhari’s instructions to redesign the naira in the run up to the February 25th presidential election. That singular move stymied the ability of many presidential candidates, especially Tinubu, to deploy warehouses of cash in the bid to buy votes. This is the crime of Emefiele and this explains why only Emefiele is being persecuted in a Buhari era that was nothing but eight years of a raucous criminality.

Under PMB, it was said that corruption was fighting back. Today, under PBAT, corruption has taken over: this is why a man who  tried to stop vote-buying is being punished with vengeance and the people couldn’t be bothered.

What more can we say about the the Tinubu- Emefiele tango? Evil is now battling good; darkness furiously seeks to overcome light… rule of law is kept in abeyance,  the judiciary is castrated, as pronouncements of the courts are viewed with contempt; security agencies are mere gigolos of the presidency…

To think that this is just five months of the Tinubu Presidency.

Osuji, a renowned Writer and accomplished Columnist, was Media Adviser to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha

Terrorists Invade Rice Farms In Borno, Massacre Farmers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The dreaded terrorists group,  Boko Haram, has, again, struck in Borno State leaving fatalities. No fewer than 13 farmers were slaughtered.

Report revealed that  several others are missing after they were attacked at their rice farm  at  Mafa Local Government Area on Sunday evening.

It was gathered that the insurgents stormed rice fields and rounded up the farmers who were harvesting their farm produce in Karkut and Koshebe area, Mafa, slaughtering them with knives.

According to Civilian Joint Task Force sources, 13 dead bodies have been recovered as search for missing persons continues.

“We are sad this incident is happening again this year, we lost more than a dozen of our farmers from Zabarmari, who were attacked on Sunday evening while working on their rice fields in Mafa.

“The whole town is sad and we are mourning as we speak. Security agencies and CJTF are still searching for those who are missing, but 13 dead bodies have so far been recovered.”

A top security source said the terrorists who were on motorcycles divided themselves into three groups before attacking the farmers.

The source said the assailants did not use their guns, instead they used cutlasses and knives.

“Nine bodies were recovered as at Sunday night, while the search for others who escaped the attacks are still ongoing.”

Pension: Falana Urges Akpabio, Other Ex-Governors To Emulate Daniel, Dankwambo

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Femi Falana

By Akinwale Kasali

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana,  has urged the Senate President, Godswill  Akpabio and other former Governors who are in the National Assembly to take a clue from Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibrahim Dankwambo to forfeit their pension as former Governors .

A few days ago, Dankwambo, wrote to the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, and asked for the suspension of his Pension as former Governor of the State. This has prompted the Human Rights Lawyer to call on others at the Executive and Legislative Arm of the Government to follow suit.

On the part of Daniel, he had, on becoming a Senator, written to Governor Dapo Abiodun to stop the payment of his Pension, citing the paucity of funds of the State Government as a major reason.

Falana, Chairman, Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond, in a statement issued over the weekend commended Daniel and Dankwambo, and said that their action is highly commendable at a time when not less than 20 former Governors in the Executive and Legislative branches of Government are receiving double salaries.

According to Falana, in a landmark judgment delivered on November 26 2019, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo (now retired) declared the payment of the pension illegal and unconstitutional.

“Consequently, the Court ordered the Accountant-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to recover the life pensions collected by former governors serving as Senators and Ministers.

“Similarly, in suit NO: NICN/JOS/26/2016 (Alhaji Garba Umar v Taraba State Government) Justice K. I. Amadi of the National Industrial Court declared as null and void the payment of pension and gratuity to former governors and deputy governors. The pension was provided for in Taraba State Governor and Deputy Governor’s Pension Law 2015,” the statement read in part.

Falana has been vocal against the payment of pension to ex-governors, especially those elected as legislators or appointed in the Federal Executive after their tenures as governor.

Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, in suit number FHC/L/CS/1497/2017, filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation) at the Federal High Court, challenged the constitutional validity of the pension paid to former governors in Nigeria.

History Will Be Kind To Sanwo-Olu – LAHA, Pledges  Support To  Governor

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Babajide Sanwo-olu and Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu of Lagos State and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa seem to have buried the hatchet, as the Speaker alongside the Lawmakers pledged an unflinching support to the Governor.

Obasa said that the 10th Assembly will not rest on its oars, rather, it will continue to support Governor Sanwo-Olu in the area of infrastructural and transport sector developments in the State.

He gave the assurance during the commissioning of the Oyingbo Bridge on Sunday.

The Speaker who was represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Transport, Hon. Adewale Adedeji Temitope, noted that, “We have the transport sector reform law which we did. We have the Lagos State Transport Masterplan which is in place and now, we are here again today having the THEME agenda.”

He commended the Governor for living up to the expectations of the people of the State and for fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises.

“Today we are happy because we are standing at this historic event where Mr. Governor has said that the needs and responsibilities of the people shall continue to be his priority and he has given us the opportunity. Today, we are opening a bus terminal and we are commissioning a bridge.

“Your political scorecard has said it all. Your promises to the people as a politician and as the Executive Governor are coming to pass. I want to continue to tell you that as long as you continue to do what is right for the people, the Lagos House of Assembly will continue to stand with and by you.

“Just last week, we commissioned the Yaba Bridge and today, we are here commissioning the Oyingbo Bridge. I know we still have the Mushin and Ikeja bridges. We have train stations that have been completed and yet to be commissioned,” Dr. Obasa said.

In the same vein, Hon. Adewale said when he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Transport, he was worried about the transportation challenges in the state, adding that he got more worried when the governor made transportation a priority in his THEME+ agenda.

“Mr. Governor, history will be kind to you. On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I promise that Mr. Speaker will continue to stand by you for every need on infrastructure development and the transport sector,” he said.

The lawmaker used the opportunity to appeal to the governor for the construction of a bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye to ease traffic bottlenecks in the area.

“Mr. Governor, I’m jealous because I understand that there are supposed to be seven bridges and I know that four have been constructed. I also understand that one of the local governments that is supposed to benefit from the bridges is Ifako-Ijaiye where I represent and that is the Iju/Fagba Bridge.

“Compensations have been paid but we have not seen any bridge. Mr. Governor, I would like to talk to you about that,” Adewale said.

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