N13bn Amnesty Fraud: Court Adjourns Ecobank Case Against FG

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May 18, 2023

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the request by the Ecobank Nigeria Limited to stop the federal government from recovering N800 million Amnesty fund from the commercial bank.

The bank is among some commercial banks in the country accused of overpaying beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme to the tune of over N13 billion by the National Security Adviser, NSA, Babagana Monguno.

The bank had approached the court for a restraining order to stop the Federal Government’s efforts to recover the funds.

The court turned down the request.

In the motion, dated April 6, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/469/2023, the bank prayed the court to issue an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents or cohorts from arresting its directors, staff or agents or taking steps to disrupt its business without following due process of law pending the hearing and determination of originating motion.

According to the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Oladipupo Raji, Head, Ecobank Regional Operations in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the bank said it has never been accused of fraud in the funds paid to beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme.

He explained that on January 19, Ecobank and other bank were summoned by the NSA to discuss the amnesty programme.

Raji said, “That the NSA at the meeting which I attended informed the banks’ representatives that some of the beneficiaries of the amnesty scheme have been receiving double payments from the federal government of Nigeria by opening multiple accounts in several banks and that the 3rd respondent has also been paying funds to unknown individuals.

“That the NSA, thereafter, sought for the support of the banks in tackling the challenges in sanitising the system and ensuring the leakages are blocked.”

Raji said the bank was surprised when Aliyu Mohammed, the permanent secretary, special services office, office of the secretary to the government of the federation, informed all the banks that the federal government had purportedly lost the sum of N13 billion through the leakages, directing Ecobank to refund N849 million within two weeks.

He said the bank was not involved in the processing of payments, approval of payments or verification of the list of the beneficiaries of the scheme.

Iin a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Ekwo turned down the bank’s prayer, instead he directed the bank to put the NSA and other respondents on notice within seven days of the order.

The case has now been adjourned to May 31.

10th NASS Leadership Contest: ‘Smart’ Gbajabiamila Dodges Impeachment

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James Orji

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May 18, 2023

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Gbajabiamila inspects E-Parliament Facilities

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, saved his job on Wednesday after he got wind that his colleagues were plotting to impeach him.

The crisis in the nation’s lower chamber of the National Assembly is not unconnected with allegation by some lawmakers that the Speaker is trying to foist Tajudeen Abass on them as the next speaker.

No fewer that five aspirants to the position have kicked after the All Progressives Congress, APC, announced Abass as its preference for the position.

The angry lawmekers sensed that it’s the handwork of Gbajabiamila to make the lawmaker from Kaduna State to succeed him.

But sources said that some lawmakers had vowed to ensure that this did happen, and have perfected plans to impeach Gbajabiamila over what they described as the “imposition” of Tajudeen Abbas as the consensus candidate for House Speakership.

Some of the lawmakers alleged that the speaker adjourned the plenary because of the fear of impeachment.

Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker, had in a swift move opposed Gbajabiamila, claiming the adjournment was needless but it was rejected.

Wase said the adjournment was not proper; adding that the induction could be going on simultaneously with plenary just like it was done at the Senate.

According to Wase, “I respect the view of distinguish colleagues, Rep Ibrahim Isaka, who moved for the adjournment, but I think Mr. Speaker this institution has a lot memories.

“There has never been a time because of induction the House suspended plenary.

“I don’t know the rate of attrition in terms of those who are back to the House compared to those who are now not returning, that we have to adjourn the House because of induction.”

Earlier, Rep. Isaka (APC-Ogun) had come under Order 6, 1 and 2 for mater of privileges to move his motion.

According to him, “My point of order is that today as we speak, induction programme is on-going at the ICC, which I am privileged together with other members to be part of Batch B.

“Last week because of this same programme the House adjourned, the plenary was not in session but today because of the plenary I have to be here while this programme is ongoing.

“I cannot be properly accommodated on the programme at the induction ground alongside plenary.”

Isiaka urged the House to reconvene after the programme, saying, “I am not the only victim of this, there are other members who are complaining about their privileges. I so move.”

Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), one of the aspirants for the 10th National assembly speaker, raised his hand and attempted to speak but was equally ignored.

Meanwhile, the Senate has been sitting since the induction of lawmakers began, while the House of Reps which reconvened on May 17, immediately called for adjournment after many postponements.

Speaking on the issue, Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba (APC-Nasarawa) said he was aware of the alteration made in the House rule to favour Gbajabiamila’s preferred candidate.

The doctored standing rules referred to as the 10th edition cited, has a new provision for electing the Speaker and Deputy through an open ballot instead of the existing rule of secret ballot that has been in use since 1999.

Section 2 (f) (iii) of the controversial clause captioned “election of presiding officers” stated that, “every member voting shall name clearly and in the open the candidate of his choice.”

Gbajabiamila is being accused of single-handedly manipulating the rules of the House to edge out other aspirants in favour of his preferred candidate.

Senate Directs CBN To Release $700m Owed Airlines; Nigeria World’s Highest Debtor

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James Orji

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May 18, 2023

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The Nigerian Senate has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to release over $700 million owed foreign airlines. According to checks $717,478, 606 belonging to airlines are trapped in the country due to the scarcity of foreign currency affecting the country presently.

There have been several internventions by the National Assembly lately to stop the airlines from grounding their operations due to inavalabilty of forex.

The airlines have not forclosed the possibility of going on strike if the situation persists.
But on Wednesday, the Senate urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the matter by directing the CBN to make the blocked funds available to the airlines, noting that Nigeria is the highest debtor to airlines in the world.

The motion was passed by majority of the senators after a voice vote.

The lawmakers, also, pleaded with the operators not to withdraw their services as they are making efforts to resolve the issue.

These are contained in the motion raised by Senator Biodun Olujimi and discussed during the plenary yesterday.

According to Senator Ibn Bala Na’Allah, the Senate Committtee vice Chairman on Aviation, who led the debate, Nigeria is the most indebted country to airlines with 44 percent funds belonging to then blocked by the CBN.

He said the problem started in 2021 after the airlines started having difficulty accessing forex to support their operations.

Senator Na’Allah said “Further notes that in February 2023, Nigeria alone accounted for 44 per cent of total airlines blocked funds in the entire world.

“Worried that the total airlines blocked funds in Nigeria as at March 28th, 2023 amounted to $717,478,606, comprising matured bids that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is yet to deliver bids yet to mature and cash balances in airlines’ accounts for repatriation.’’

“Concerned that matured bids not delivered by CBN amounted to $186.5m, amounting for 26% of total blocked funds while three stakeholders (IATA, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines) accounted for 57 per cent of total blocked funds;

“Regrets to discover that a review of airlines’ blocked funds in Nigeria in the last six months shows an average month-on-month increase of $49.3million

“Further regrets that the consequences of these blocked funds are: Cheap tickets are not available in Nigeria because taxes and inflation would have eroded the profit when the funds are kept for a very long time thereby making tickets very expensive and limited because neighbouring countries get the cheap tickets because of prompt payments due to prompt repatriation of funds;

“Loss of revenue to the Airlines and the Nation by extension, airline companies folding and relocating to other neighbouring countries thereby depleting our Nation’s workforce ultimately leading to unemployment rate; and stoppage of foreign direct investments in aviation and other related industries in Nigeria.”

May 29: Sultan Rallies Support For Tinubu

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James Orji

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May 18, 2023

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Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has called on religious and traditional leaders in the country to support the incoming government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said this is necessary to stabilise the country.

Tinubu will be sworn in on May 29 to succeed incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
The respected traditional ruler and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, stde this in Abuja on Wednesday at the ongoing round-table engagement organisec by the National Population Commission, NPC.

He said the role of traditional and religious leaders in the country is to help the people and advise political leaders on the way to move e the country forward.

Speaking on the transition of power from Buhari to Tinubu, the Sultan said this is inevitable despite calls by some people for the inuaguration to be shifted to enable the election tribunal decide whether Tinubu actually won the election.

““There must be a change. In the next few days or few weeks there will be a new government. What can we contribute to that government to stabilise? What can we do besides prayers? We believe in God that gives and takes. So, May 29 is coming and after that, so what? What do we do to help the government stabilise and move the country forward? he said.

“Let us continue to work as one big family with different mothers and fathers. As religious leaders there must be equity and justice in whatever is being done. The politicians are there. They have not more than eight years, but these traditional and religious leaders are there permanently.

“That is why you see politicians and candidates coming to seek advice and prayers. Most of the politicians wanting to be Senate President, Speaker and other political office at the next assembly are going to traditional and religious leaders for prayers saying they are the best candidate.

“These two institutions are the most prominent and the most productive institutions that anybody who wants to help this country must hold these two together. Our political leaders must be the same both with us and without them we cannot do anything.

“Some people have a huge amount of money and yet they cannot help the less-privileged in the society,” the Sultan said.

PDP Constitutes Committee To Review Party Discipline, Reconciliation

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The Source

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May 17, 2023

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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 571st meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 resolved to constitute a Committee to review all cases of reported indiscipline and anti-party activities by some members of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

The decision of the NWC, the Party said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, is in furtherance of on-going efforts by the National Leadership to instill discipline and achieve a comprehensive reconciliation in the Party.

“This resolution of the NWC is pursuant to its powers under Section 29 (2) (a) and (b) and Section 31 (2) (c), (d) and (i) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)”, the Resolution said.

The NWC, accordingly, directed that no Organ of the Party at any level shall henceforth commence any disciplinary action against any member of the Party without due consideration and regard to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The NWC charged members to remain focused on the ideals of our Party as a democratic organization guided by our Rules, Regulations and Constitution as the Party collectively makes progress towards lasting reconciliation, discipline and unity in the Party.

Ondo Deep Sea Port Gets Operating Licence

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Ayodele Oni

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May 17, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the establishment of a deep sea port in Ondo State with granting operating licence for its take off.

The Federal Executive Council, (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, gave the approval for the operating licence for the Port at the FEC meeting held at the State House in Abuja.

The Memo for the approval was presented by the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Minister, Muazu Jaji Sambo, following years of efforts by the Ondo state Government to establish a deep sea port, first at Olokola which failed to materialize since 2004.

The efforts were renewed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu upon his assumption of office as Governor in 2017 and became intensified upon the appointment of an indigene of Ondo state, Ademola Adegoroye, as Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Transportation in July 2022, just about 10 months ago.

Akeredolu had submitted the proposal for the establishment of the Port to the federal government, with series of due diligence undertaken by both the State and federal governments.

NLC Distances Union From Protest To Ground Nigeria On May 29, 2023

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 17, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has distanced the Union from a viral story in the Social Media that it would ground Nigeria if justice is not delivered by May 29.

Titled “If Electoral Justice Is Not Delivered By May 29, Nigeria Would Be Shut Down”, it was issued in the name of the NLC and the Labour and Civil Society Front, LCSF.

LCSF is a Platform founded on the existing understanding between trade unions and Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement personally signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, National President of the NLC, the Union said it was not aware of any such statement and described it as …”not only false but a mischief by its authors to drag the NLC and the trade union movement into their warped contrivance for purposes best known to their minds”

The full statement entitled:

IF ELECTORAL JUSTICE IS NOT DELIVERED BY MAY 29, NIGERIA WOULD BE SHUT DOWN – LCSF: A DISCLAIMER! reads:

“Our attention has just been drawn to a false publication making the rounds in the Social media issued in the name of Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF) a platform founded on the already existing understanding between trade unions and Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria that for our nation to make progress leadership accountability and subjection to the sovereign will is crucial. This is to allow us use the civic space to interrogate governance in all its ramifications and make it work for the majority thus progress of the nation.

“The said publication titled; if electoral justice is not delivered by May 29, Nigeria would be shut down” is not only false but a mischief by its authors to drag the NLC and the trade union movement into their warped contrivance for purposes best known to their minds. Such statement was unknown to us and we can neither be associated to it nor partake of whatever its intentions are.

“It is, therefore, important that we alert the public that we have not concluded any plans anywhere to mobilise any of our affiliates and constituents including the masses neither in Nigeria nor without for the purposes of embarking on any action after May 29 within the context outlined by the false statement. We dissociate ourselves from its intents and mission and are dauntless to say that such publication is not from the LCSF.

“The Conveners of the Labour and Civil Society Front remain Comrade Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Senator Shehu Sani and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and any publication that does not have their imprimatur is false and can only be the handiwork of fifth columnists trying to use the organisation to mislead the public and create tension in the country.

“We, however, make bold to say that we shall continue to work in conjunction with other well-meaning organisations both within and without the Civil Society to use every lawful means to ensure that there is fairness and equity in the adjudicatory processes of the election tribunals.

“This is our common commitment and we do not want this avowal to be hijacked by purveyors of evil to foment trouble in the polity. Any group believing that it can use the name of the LCSF to spread falsehood should be prepared because we shall seek them out and expose them for what they are. They are clearly not part of us as we have not discussed such possibilities in our various meetings. Members of the Public should, therefore, discountenance such publication and ignore its portends.

“We believe that the Judiciary is equal to the task before it and would demonstrate to those who have had their doubts and those who have sought to make a mockery of them that they remain the bastion of the conscience of the nation. They will surely demonstrate this throughout their sittings and we look forward to supporting them as all eyes and hopes to redeem our nation is on them at this time.

“The NLC will therefore not encourage anything that would distract the sacred and time honoured duties of their lordship as they conduct the different sittings. We know that this is a marathon and not a hundred meters dash and we are prepared to patiently wait for the process to work itself our.

“We advise Nigerians and all workers to also exercise due diligence as we stay focused on conscientiously monitoring the sittings and outcomes of the Election Tribunals around the nation. Let us keep our eyes on the ball.”

Lamidi Apapa Booed At The Presidential Tribunal, Almost Lynched, Saved By Security Agents

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The Source

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May 17, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

But for the presence of hoardes of Security Agents, and their quick intervention, Lamidi Apapa, purported Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, could have been lynched by an angry crowd.

But he did not escape the booing and screams of “Apapa, ole, Apapa thief”, which thundered all over. He was thoroughly embarrassed, confused, and shaken.

The incident took place at the venue of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Abuja, where Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party is challenging the declaration of the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the President-elect.

Apapa, obviously, a mole in the LP, has, for weeks, created a faction in the Party, which he is leading. He engineered the controversial ‘suspension’ of the Party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and has since then, been fighting to withdraw Obi’s petition before the Tribunal.

At the hearing of the case on Wednesday, Apapa, who was surprisingly present, was not recognised by the Tribunal. That was when he was given the first dose of embarrassment.

The second dose was when he was on his way out of the Tribunal venue after the case was adjourned to May 19.

He was greeted by a crowd of angry Party loyalists who booed him and called him names. He was saved from them by Security Agents.

President-elect, Tinubu, is billed to be sworn-in on May 29, 2023, while the suits challenging his victory continues.

Former Prelate Of The Methodist Church, Sunday Mbang, Dies

By

The Source

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May 17, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

The Christian Religion in Nigeria has lost a strong voice.

A former Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Sunday Mbang is dead.

Mbang, a fiery Preacher of the Word, was also a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

The blunt and revered Cleric was born on 26 August, 1936. He was a native of Idua, Eket, in the Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Mbang was ordained a Priest of the Methodist Church in 1962, and became the Prelate in 1984, a position he held for 22 years before he retired from active service.

His Eminence was educated at the Effoi Group of Schools, Salvation Army School, Akai-Ubium, Government School, Eket, Methodist Boys High School, Oron, Teachers’ College, Uzuakoli, Trinity Theological School, Umuahia, University of Ibadan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Isreal, and Havard University, USA.

The retired Prelate died of old age, on Wednesday, 17, May, 2023, according to family sources.

Labour Party Crisis Escalates As Factions Clash At Presidential Election Tribunal

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 17, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, has further escalated as the Party made a mockery of itself at the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

The factions of LP National Chairman, Julius Abure and that of the purported Acting Chairman, Lamidi Apapa, were at each other’s neck with boos and heated exchange of words.

The Abure faction had resisted the media from granting an interview to Apapa as they blocked the interview with chants of “Ole, thief, and many other invectives were used in attacking him.

It took the intervention of the Police to ward off the determined protesters who followed him out.

Before this, Justice Haruna Tsammani, the Presiding Judge at the Presidential Election Tribunal refused to recognise any representative of the Labour Party except the 1st petitioner, Peter Obi, who was in court.

The reason for this was the discovery of a disagreement by the Judge among the LP representatives at the Court that included the two factions.

When the matter was called, Obi stood up to announce his appearance followed by Dudu Manuga, the National Women’s Leader of the Party who sat close to Obi.

Meanwhile, Before the Court could record Manuga on the list, Lamidi Apapa quickly stood up to announce his appearance as the representative of the Labour Party.

However, Justice Haruna interjected and said, ” It appears there was a little disagreement… We are not recognizing any representative from the party.”

The Apapa led faction is saying that the ruling of a High Court of the FCT, suspending the Abure-led faction, remains.

The Court rose and adjourned to 19th May for the continuation of the pre-hearing of Peter Obi’s petition.