Impeachment Update: Ondo CJ Advises Assembly to Follow Rules; Refuses To Set Up Panel

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July 10, 2020

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The move by a mojority number of the Ondo House of Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, has suffered a set-back.

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu, has refused to set up an impeachment panel, as requested by the members. She, instead, been advised the leadership of the Assembly to follow constitutional procedure in the impeachment process.

To this end, the CJ, has returned the letter requesting her to constitute a panel to investigate the deputy governor to the Speaker, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun.

Fourteen members, as against the constitutionally required 18, which form the two third of 26, had signed the impeachment notice, while nine members refused to sign.

As at the close of work on Thursday, the leadership of the assembly was making frantic efforts to convince the CJ, insisting that the two third put forward was for those that were physically present during the plenary on Monday.

The CJ has, reportedly, been bombarded with series of letters, urging that the Constitution is strictly followed in the impeachment process.

The nine members who refused to sign the notice sent a letter to her, appealing to get to stand form by the constitution.

Allegedly to make the number required for the impeachment, the Assembly has suspended two members on Wednesday, while the Majority Leader, resigned from his office.

DG Ajayi had a couple of weeks ago, resigned from the membership of the APC, and joined the PDP, but refused to resign from the office of the DG. He has since picked the Governorship form of the PDP, under which he wishes to challenge the Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the Governorship seat.

In another development, the Chairman of the APC in Ese-Odo LGA, Info state, has dumped the party for the PDP.

He and DG Ajayi are from the same LGA.

Breaking: Gunmen Kill Rear Admiral Onubi’s Daughter, Driver

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

Rear Admiral J Onubi, rtd, has lost his daughter and driver to gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers.

His Orderly was lucky, as he escaped into the bush, and is now on “own custody”.

The sad and unfortunate incident happened early evening, Thursday, July 9, along the Okene-Lokoja road.

The circumstances surrounding the killing of the two are not yet clear. But photographic evidence seem to show they may have been ambushed, as both were shot dead inside the vehicle.

The driver was still on his seat when he was shot dead , while Onubi’s daughter who sat at the back of the vehicle was shot there. She slumped dead on the floor of the car.

Their bodies have been retrieved, and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State.

Details, later…

Breaking: Finally, Buhari Officially, Suspends Magu, And Approves New Acting EFCC Chairman; The Implications For Magu

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

After a long silence, President Muhammadu Buhari has finally, officially, approved the suspension of CP Ibrahim Magu as the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The President had, also, put a stop to speculations as to who would, in the interim, act in that position, by approving that Mohammed Umar, the Commission’s Director of Operations, takes over.

Both approvals, by the President, were contained in a press release by Umar Gwandu, Spokesperson for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Magu as Ag. Chairman, EFCC in order to allow for unhindered inquiry by the Presidential investigation Panel under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, and other relevant laws.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has, also, approved that the EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar, should take charge and oversee the activities of the Commission, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and further directives in that regard”.

Observers say that both approvals may have indicated two things – that Magu is in for a long investigation period, and that he might not go back to that seat.

His end as the Ag. Chair has come to an end.

If so, Magu has set a record as the first boss of the Commission, who was not confirmed since its inception in 2001. Twice, the 8th Senate refused to confirm him over damning allegations made against him by the DSS, under the then DG, Lawal Daura.

Suprisingly, Mr President never submitted his name for confirmation to the 9th Senate, even though members had indicated willingness to review his case.

He may, also, have set a record for the longest Acting Chairman in Nigeria’s Public Service. He acted for five years.

The appointment of Umar to act, in the interim, follows precedents, except for when Mrs Farida Waziri was brought in from outside the EFCC after the removal of Nuhu Ribadu as the Chairman.

Magu’s exit from the high profile office began on Monday when he was intercepted on Monday, by Security Operatives, on his way from his office to the Force Headquarters for a meeting, and hauled before a Presidential Panel to answer to 22 allegations against him.

The allegations were made in a letter to the President by Malami, who, also, asked for his replacement.

Since then, he has been in the custody of the Police, from where he goes before the five-man panel headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ago Salami.

While in custody, security operatives had gone to search both his personal and official residences.

Covid-19: Shock As NDDC Interim Board Says It Spent N1.5bn On Staff Palliatives

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Shock engulfed members of the Senate Committee probing the alleged reckless spending by the Interim Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, when the Commission’s Managing Director disclosed that the sum of N1.5 Billion was spent on Staff for Covid-19 Palliatives. This does not include their salaries.

The Interim Management Committee of the NDDC, came under fire on Thursday as the Senate Adhoc Committee queried payment of over One billion Naira to about 4,000 NDDC staff as Covid-19 relief allowance between February and May, 2020.

Relying on documents submitted by NDDC , the Senate Panel chaired by Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi revealed how the allowance was shared with one staff receiving N10million as “palliative” for Covid-19.

A further breakdown showed that NDDC paid seven million each to two other staff, N3 million each to 148 staff, N1.5 million each to 157 staff, and giftted N1millon each to 497 staff.

The least paid staff in the largesse; mostly cleaners and security officers in NDDC, received N600,000 each.

The Senate panel also exposed how NDDC donated another N475 million to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammadu Adamu for facemasks and hand sanitizers, bringing the total amount expended as Covid-19 relief for NDDC staff and the Police to N1.5 billion.

In all, a total of N3.14 billion was spent as intervention for Covid-19.

Defending the expenditures, NDDC Director of Projects, Cairo Ojuogboh, said the money was meant for the police command in all the nine states in the Niger-Delta region.

The Senate panel also revealed how NDDC paid another N85.6 million in April to some of its officials to attend the graduation ceremony of some Niger-Delta students in the United Kingdom last June.

This was as the Senate probe panel queried another N38.6 billion spent on Public Communications, N900 million on legal services, and a whopping N2.6 billion on medicals.

On Duty Tour Allowance for staff, NDDC spent N480 million between October 2019 and May 2020 and another N1.9 billion for Lassa Fever intervention.

Ojougboh explained that most of this expenses were inherited debt; pointing out that the IMC did not award any fresh contract.

Ojougboh, however, fired back at the National Assembly accusing the Chairmen of the two committees on Niger-Delta in the Senate and the House of Representatives of always hijacking the budget of the NDDC since its inception in 2001.

He specifically accused the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger-Delta Development Commission, Senator Peter Nwuobosi and Nelson Agbamoshe from the House of Representatives of using their positions to corner contacts for themselves.

On the allegation of missing N40 billion, Ojougboh said “no money was missing.

He also denied allegations that the IMC had arbitrarily sacked some staff of NDDC.

Meanwhile, the Senate Probe panel expressed disappointment over the absence of the Minister of Niger-Delta Affair, Godswill Akpabio who despite two separate invitation letters to him, failed to turn up for the probe even though he sent the Permanent Secretary to represent him.

The probe continues today, Friday 10th July, 2020.

Lagos Lawmaker, Tunde Braimoh Dies

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

It came as a rude shock to the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, Chapter.

Exactly two weeks after the death of Senator Sikiru Osiniwo, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, the APC has lost another strong voice.

Hon. Tunde Braimoh, Lagos State House Of Assembly Member, representing KOSOFE II, died in the early hours of Friday.

Until his death, he was Chairman House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Braimoh had also served in the Parliament as House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, Petitions and LASEIC.

He was also a two-time Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, now Ikosi Isheri Local Council.

He is survived by wife and children.

A tribute by Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, chairperson, Ikosi Isheri LCDA said: BIG DADDY IS GONE

“I find it hard to announce the death of our Leader, Mentor and a Political Juggernaut, Hon. Tunde Braimoh.

“As if the breath slowly slips off my lips. I cannot but think over and over, doubt my hearings. Is it really true that my leader is gone?

“Kosofe Politics without you is a cold world of ice, freezing me to death like fish stark naked.

“I can’t but doubt my hearing, my breath seizes. Your demise is not just a lonely death but a string that rubs on many as victims. As a bearer of law, you stood as the voice of the voiceless. Many are living testimonies to your life touching impacts.

“Your leadership in Kosofe exemplifies the dexterity of your seasoned administrative prowess and uncommon resourcefulness in bringing good governance to the people at the grassroot. Your hands are always outstretched to the needy and the poor. Constantly your doors are flooded by beneficiaries of your flowing hands of honey.

“Every eye filled with sadness and sorrow were receiving succor with the cheerfulness of your face . We love you but the Almighty loves you more than we do.

“Rest in Peace. Death is a bridge. All of us must cross over.”

Ondo Impeachment Saga: Nine Lawmakers Tell CJ to Stand by Constitution

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni, Akure

Within 24 hours, the Chief Judge of Ondo state, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu has received two letters on the planned impeachment of the Ondo state deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

Fourteen of the 26 members House of Assembly, on Monday, passed a motion accusing the Deputy Governor of impeachable offences and directed the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate him.

Nine members of the Assembly were, however, opposed to the planned impeachment and wrote to the House about their stand.

Only Wednesday, the Media Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Mr Allen Sowore, advised the Chief Judge not to allow his office to be used for the exercise, which he called illegal.

In another letter on Thursday, the nine anti- impeachment Lawmakers maintained their position on the planned removal of Agboola Ajayi

“We want to state and confirm to your good office that we maintain our stand by dissociating ourselves from the impeachment process. We are not in support of the impeachment based on our individual personal conviction.

“We are rest assured that your lordship will uphold section 188 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) particularly section 188 (3)(4)(5)-(11)

” It is equally worthy of note that the total membership of Ondo State House of Assembly is (26) twenty six in which the 2/3 is 18, AND THIS REMAINS THE CONSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED NUMBER IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY ARBITRARY SUSPENSION

“We are writing to call your attention to the fact that all or some of us who are signatories to this letter may be suspended in order to circumvent the provision of the Constitution of Nigeria, which we all swore to uphold,”

This magazine gathered that in spite of the stand-off, the impeachment exercise will be carried out, especially as two members of those opposed to it were suspended from the House on Wednesday.

Police Arrest Seven For Multiple Bank Robberies In Ekiti

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The Source

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July 10, 2020

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Police Operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad have arrested a 7-man criminal gang that attacked and robbed three commercial banks in the South-West States of Ondo and Ekiti between 2019 and 2020, killed innocent citizens including six (6) policemen and carted away several millions of naira.

Investigation reveals that the dare-devil armed robbers – Tunbosun Ojo ‘m’ 42years, Ismaila Ojo ‘m’ 25years, Victor Oyeyemi ‘m’ 36years, Dele Ariyo ‘m’ 44years, Shola Oladimeji ‘m’ 50years, Olubodun Folayemi ‘m’ 44years and Adeniyi John ‘m’ 42 years – carried out the robbery of a commercial bank in Ile-oluji, Ondo State on 7^th February, 2020 where four (4) policemen were killed. Similarly they were also involved in the robbery of a Microfinance Bank in Idanre, Ondo State in December, 2019 and a commercial bank at Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State where two policemen lost their lives.

Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large and to recover other sophisticated weapons used in the operations.

In a similar vein, twenty-three (23) other suspects were also arrested by the Police operatives for their involvement in various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, car snatching at gun point, amongst other offences.

The following were recovered from the suspects: One (1) AK49 rifle, One (1) AK47 rifle, two (2) pump action guns, five (5) locally made guns, nineteen (19) locally made short guns, one hundred and twenty-five (125) cartridges, one hundred and forty-five (145) AK47 ammunition, locally fabricated explosives and a Toyota Corolla vehicle with Reg. No. LSR 490 GC. The suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

N52.5 Billion Mopped Up From Circulation, Says CBN

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Uche Mbah

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July 10, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

A total of N52.5 Billion was removed from circulation in the month of June, if the latest figures of the Central Bank Of Nigeria, CBN, is anything to go by.

At the end of May, N2.35 trillion was in circulation, but a month later, the amount of currency in circulation was reduced to N2.39 trillion.

Ironically, there was an increase in liquidity during the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus Pandemic. This was attributed to the injection of palliatives to certain categories of people by some states in the country. In comparison, there was an increase in liquidity at the end of April. By the end of April, it rose from N2.29tn at the end of March, rose to N2.3tn.

“Currency in circulation at end-November 2019 rose by 9.9 percent to N2.2tn, in contrast to the decline of 0.4 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2019″. the CBN said.

“The development, relative to the level in the preceding quarter, reflected mainly the increase in its currency outside banks component and seasonal factors.

“Currency in circulation is defined as a currency outside the vaults of the central bank; that is, all legal tender currency in the hands of the general public and in the vaults of the Deposit Money Banks.”

Part of the reason was the pressure on cash due to the plan of the apex bank to harmonize foreign exchange, a plan that has reduced the cash in circulation and increased interbank rates. The Bureau de changes were scrambling to buy the dollar at the apex bank, thereby tying up the loose currency in the deals.

It may also mean that there is far fewer cash in circulation. The CBN uses the index of withdrawals from Deposit Money Banks, which is automatically recorded as cash in circulation, whereas there are many people who prefer to keep huge sums out of circulation for fear the money laundered being traced through banking transactions.

Magu: Osinbajo Feels Insulted, shocked; Drags Publisher To IGP

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The Source

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July 9, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is shocked by the now viral allegation linking to collecting money from embattled suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, CP Ibrahim Magu.

After a dignified silence since the probing of Magu by a Presidential Panel, and the allegation that he collected the sun of N4bn from him, Osinbajo distanced himself from the allegation. He is also shocked that his name could be connected to such perfidy.

The VP has also raised the ante a notch higher. He has, in a petition, dragged the publisher of the story which he finds offensive, Jackson Ude, to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

In a petition written on his behalf by his Counsel, Tayo Osipitan, SAN, the Vice President asked the IGP to investigate the N4bn allegation and get to the root of it because he has been presented as a dishonest and disloyal public officer.

If found to be untrue, the Vice President has asked the IGP to “initiate a criminal proceedings” against Ude.

The speculation has always been strong that the Vice President is one of the back bones of Magu in government, and one of the reasons the EFCC, allegedly, turned a blind eye to every petition against APC Chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Osinbajo was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under the Tinubu Government in Lagos, and, allegedly, his nominee to the Vice Presidential postion, when the position eluded Tinubu.

The source said, “It is not that the VP asked Magu to leave Tinubu alone, but it is given that Magu understands the relationship between the two, and how such a move could embarrass the VP.”

But Osinbajo is shocked that his name could be dragged in such a wicked manner into Magu’s probe.

Distancing himself in a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the VP dismissed the reports as false and baseless.

He wrote, “With all emphasis at our disposal, let it be firmly stated that these are totally false and baseless fabrications purporting to reflect goings-on at the probe panel investigating Mr Ibrahim Magu. They are indeed completely absurd in every respect.

“Sadly, such mindless, vicious and reckless publications have now become the preferred tool of unscrupulous and reprobate elements in our society who are procured with monetary inducement to peddle blatant falsehood, tarnish the image of upright public officials and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.”

Akande said Osinbajo would not be distracted by the campaigns of lies and calumny. He said the online publications, being criminally defamatory in nature, have been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary action.

The reports had claimed that Magu told the presidential panel probing him that he gave Osinbajo N4bn after the vice president asked him to release part of the recovered loot.

A very reliable source told this magazine: “Anybody who knows Osinbajo knows that this is a lie from the very pit of hell”.

Manchester City Player Set To Switch Allegiance To Nigeria, Awaits FIFA’s Clearance

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The Source

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July 9, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Coach Gernot Rohr Super Eagles team is set to get a boost, following the readiness of Manchester City Football Club player, currently on Loan at Championship Side, Blackburn Robert Football Club in England, Tosin Adarabioyo, to switch allegiance to Nigeria.

Adarabioyo has represented the England Football team at Youth levels, but has indicated interest to represent his fatherland.

Born to a Nigerian father and a British Mother. Adarabioyo was unable to cement a place in the heart of Pep Guardiola’s defense, forcing him to go out on loan to sharpen his skills and get more Playing time.

Adarabioyo is, however, awaiting FIFA clearance to complete his switch of nationality, following his decision to represent Nigeria at the international level.

According to reports from England, Adarabioyo has accepted to play for the Super Eagles despite previously representing England at youth level.

The 22-year-old has 15 caps for England youth teams.

The centre-back, who is currently on loan at Sky Bet Championship club Blackburn Rovers, is highly regarded by Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola, as an integral part of the future of the team.

Adarabioyo spent last season on loan at another championship club, West Bromwich Albion.

This season, he has scored twice in 27 league appearances for Blackburn Rovers.