EFCC Set To Arraign Okorocha In Court; Releases N5.7bn To Imo Govt

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June 11, 2020

By Gideon Njoku

For former Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Imo West, the chickens are coming home to roost.

Okorocha will soon have his day in court to answer to the alleged monumental corruption cases hanging on his neck, a consequence of his eight year governorship in the state.

This was disclosed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, when it gave Okorocha notice to get ready for his day in court.

The Commission, also, disclosed that, so far, it has released to the Imo State Government, the sum of N5.7b, out of the N7.9b, Imo money which it seized from Okorocha.

The Commission’s Zonal Head, Usman Imam, who spoke at the Zonal Office, PH, while giving an overview of the Zone’s activities, revealed that the N7.9bn belonging to Imo State, was seized from Okorocha during the EFCC investigations of him.

Imam has been in charge of the Okorocha probe since his days as the Zonal Head, Enugu. The case was transfered to him as soon as he was redeployed to PH.

The N5.7bn was returned to both the Governments of the immediate past Governor of the state, The Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and that of the present, Senator Hope Uzodinma. It was released to them to pay salaries and pensions of workers.

Imam: “I started the Imo state case in Enugu and upon my deployment to this zone, the investigations of corruption allegations against the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, was transfered from the Enugu zone to Port Harcourt for further investigations.

“Within the period, the Commission succeeded in freezing about N7.9bn in different accounts. All the monies that were released to Imo State government were from the N7.9bn recovered from Okorocha. The monies were released in batches.

“N2.7bn was released in March for salaries. In the PDP government of Emeka Ihedioha, excess of N2.5bn, upon series of writings and our insistence of monitoring it, was released to pay salaries and pensions because they were monies recovered from the state so it has to go back to the state.

“Then the government of Emeka left, and this government came. We had a remnant of the money in excess of N2bn. We were able to release N514milion just last month because excess of about N1.8bn is encumbered with a court process.

“Contractors went to court, and targeted the funds. The process is lingering. They still have excess of N1.8bn that is not released”.

In addition to the N7.9 billion recovered from Okorocha, Iman, also, disclosed that Okorocha’s assets identified in Imo and Abuja have been seized by the EFCC.

According to him, the commission filed a court process for interim forfeiture of the assets confiscated from Okorocha.

Imam: “The investigation has got to an advanced stage and we are expecting that on conclusion, we are going to arraign the former governor.

“It is in the course of investigations that we targeted his assets. Some are in Imo, Owerri and some are in Abuja. We marked these properties in Abuja and we have filed court processes for interim forfeiture of these assets. The target is to conclude the investigations and he will have his day in court”.

Imam, also, disclosed that since he assumed the leadership of the PH zone in January, the Commission has recovered N291.8million, 847,983 US Dollars, 390 pounds, 10,900 Euros and 500 CFA.

Over N1.1bn in the accounts of Bluekey Technologies allegedly operating a ponzi scheme and defrauding over 8,926 victims of over N4.4bn was recovered.

He said the EFFCC further “secured interim forfeiture of 96 trucks, vessels and barges while 226 drums of automotive gas oil and 1million litres of suspected crude oil were finally forfeited to the Federal Government”.

Also, the zone received 441 petitions, and successfully investigated 262 of them awaiting legal advice and 20 are charged to court.

The Commission, however has its challenges. He said: “Fighting corruption comes with its peculiar challenges. The corrupt are not going to fold their hands while you retrieve what they had stolen. They would fight back.

“This has come in the form of sponsored media attacks. A blogger, one Dikeocha Chukwuebuka, who caused the zone serious blushes by posting fake pictures of purported overcrowded EFCC cell was arrested and currently under prosecution.

“Other challenges are non-cooperation, and delayed response to this commission’s enquiries by some agencies; logistic challenge in investigating oil bunkering cases and inadequate office accommodation for staff”.

“In spite of the challenges, the zone remains committed to actualising the mandate of the commission, which is to eradicate corruption in Nigeria”.

Buhari To Address Nigerians Tomorrow, June 12, 2020

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation on Friday, June 12, 2020.

The broadcast is to commemorate Democracy Day.

Until Buhari changed the date to honour of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, Nigeria usually marked Democracy Day on May, the 29th. That was the day, in 1999, when the Military Government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar left the scene, and handed over to the civilian government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Democracy has endured since then, rickety as it has been.

Abiola died in military detention under the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

A statement signed by Femi Adesina, Buhari’s Adviser on Media and Publicity, requests all

Television and Radio stations, as well as other electronic media outlets, to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

It will be Buhari’s first broadcast on June 12, and the first nationwide public holiday on June 12. Before now, it was restricted to Abiola’s home state, Ogun, and Lagos where he lived, and from where he was hauled into detention, and, finally, on death, buried at his Ikeja residence, when he suddenly died in Abuja, under Military detention.

Broadcast time is 7.00am.

Gov Ikpeazu’s Pain: Abia Govt House, Deserted Over Him

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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By Stan Nwachukwu, Umuahia

Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Governor, Abia state must be writhing in pains. He must also be hallucinating on how he contracted the dreaded Coronavirus disease at a fortress like Abia government House. Umuahia.

Pandemonium broke out at the government House, Umuahia, penultimate week, when the National centre for disease control, NCDC, confirmed Ikpeazu’s positive status for COVID-19.

Abia Commissioner for information, John Okiyi, in a statement confirmed that the governor has been isolated, and taken to the NCDC centre in Abuja for treatment. Okiyi boasted in the statement that the state government has enough resources to carter for the treatment of the embattled governor and that the governor has handed over to his deputy, Sir, Udeh Oko Chukwu.

Keen observers point to the facts that before the governor tested positive; his Commissioner for Environment had been mowed down by the covid19 disease in Umuahia. Not many reason, therefore, that that was a sign of bad omen.

Government House sources informed the magazine that the governor was jolted into compelling all his Commissioners to go for coronavirus test, a development that forced residents and Ikpeazu’s aides to take more precautionary measures, apparently to avoid contact.

The sources confided in the magazine last week that though the Governor is responding to the treatment, socio-economic activities has been grounded. The source noted that Abia Government House which hitherto was a beehive of activities has been deserted. ‘’There is fear of the unknown now at the Abia Government House, Umuahia. Security officers who are courageous to be there are guarding their loins. No visitors again. Crowds have disappeared at the government centre. Activities have been paralysed’,’ Government House sources said.

As at last the last count, about 83 persons, including Ikpeazu are leaving with the disease in Abia.

When the governor was confirmed positive for Coronavirus, shock waves went down the spines of many in the state. Analysts say, unless adequate precautionary measures are taken, by the time Ikpeazu is discharged from the NCDC treatment centre, Abia probably would record high index rate of Coronavirus victims.

Close associates of the governor informed The Source that when the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Ikpeazu took proactive measures to ensure the disease did not cross the borders of Abia. He was said to have closed all borders after he set up a steering committee to fight the pandemic.

Sources revealed he devoted a large chunk of state resources to nip the disease in the bud, even as he distributed face masks, sponsored advertorials in the media to create awareness of covid19. Ikpeazu also set up mobile courts to try those who violate NCDC guidelines. And he achieved success until the recent development when he became a victim.

However, there are some Government House sources who resort to blame games. They say in hush-hush tones that the Governor failed to comply with the NCDC guidelines on Covid 19. They make the insinuation that Ikpeazu has a large army of lieutenants and cooks at the Government House. They blamed the governor for hosting visitors at his Lodge contrary to NCDC rules of social distancing.

However, Ikpeazu’s loyalists are not keeping quiet. They say their master complied strictly to NCDC rules more than any other governor in the country. They express the hope that the governor, like other Governors in the country who tested positive for the virus would return to Abia seat of power hail and hearty. Speaking from the Isolation Centre on Thursday, he assured he would be back soon.

Many attribute his present pain to the large number of aides under him. Keen Observers aver that the only way to restore normal health and eliminate the pandemic at the Government House is for the NCDC to invade the state and decontaminate the zone.

George Floyd: Falana, NLC, TUC task UN, AU, Support Global Protest

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

As protests continue against the killing of George Floyd, the United Nations, (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres Moo has been asked to ensure the global body takes decisive actions to stem the rising tide of racial discrimination.

Nigeria’s leading labour and civil society coalition in a statement on Wednesday also expressed solidarity with the wave of protests spurred by the May 25 killing of 46-year old US citizen, Mr George Floyd.

Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, (ASCAB) said in a position endorsed by its leaders, ASCAB Chairman, Mr Femi Falana, the co-chairmen, Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC) and President, Mr Ayuba Wabba and the President of the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) Mr Quadri Olaleye that the death of Mr Floyd has further raised the need for the UN Nations countries all over the world to rise in defense of the poor and vulnerable who are at the receiving end of state brutality and oppression.

ASCAB said racism is an international scourge that can only be defeated through the collective efforts of all member nations. ASCAB said the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved as long as justice is viewed from the prism of race and colour.

The group which is a coalition of labour and over 70 civil society groups called for international cooperation of workers and civil society to put pressure on their home governments to respect the dignity of the human person and the rule of law.

Floyd was killed during an arrest for allegedly using a fake 20 dollar bill. White Police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes while held face down in the most gruesome manner.

The death of Floyd in the hands of Minneapolis police officers has sparked global outrage with protests spreading across US cities and Europe.

ASCAB in a statement on Thursday said labour and civil society in Nigeria are in full support of the protesters adding that the killing underlined that the lack of respect for the dignity of man and extra-judicial killings remain a global problem.

“We share in the grief of the families of Mr George Floyd of Houston who was killed in the most bizarre manner. The police officers became the enforcer of law, the judge and the executioner all within minutes. While such killings are not uncommon in developing countries, it is more worrisome that a country that lay claim to being the father of democracy can allow this to happen”, the statement released by ASCAB Secretary for Publicity, Mr Adewale Adeoye noted.

The coalition called on UN member nations to ensure ratification and enforcement of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, a UN Convention which commits members to the eradication of all forms of bias and stereotyping linked to race. The convention came into force on January 4 1969. While it has 88 signatories, and 182 parties to the Convention , only 27 countries have ratified the convention. ASCAB calls on the African Union, (AU) to domesticate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination saying that lack of opportunities has continued to fuel violence, extremism and wars in many African countries.

ASCAB urged countries to take joint and separate actions to bring an end to racism and all forms of discrimination.

ASCAB said dealing with racism involves creating equal economic and political opportunities for citizens irrespective of creed, faith or colour.

“Humanity has passed through many difficult phases in history. The bottom line is that inequalities, racism and disrespect for the rule of law will continue to fuel public rage which might even take violent forms” ASCAB said adding that workers all over the world and their unions have a crucial role to play in bringing an end to all forms of discrimination including race.

Finally, Dongban-Mensem Is Appeal Court President

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Senate, on Thursday, confirmed the Hon. Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem as the President of the Court of Appeal.

By confirming her, the Senate put to an end the anxiety and apprehension which trailed her non- confirmation since the end of her acting period.

She was appointed in an acting capacity as required, on the retirement of her predecessor, but apprehension set-in when President Muhammadu Buhari did not send her name to the Senate for cofirmation at the end of her first three months in an acting capacity. Instead, her acting position was renewed.

Speculation set in that the President was reluctant to confirm her because he did not want a Christian in that position. Pressure was brought to bear, and questions asked from different quarters.

The delay in confirming her reminded many of the fate that befell former Chief Justice of Nigeria, The Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen. The reluctance by Buhari to send his name for confirmation was obvious and embarrassing.

Finally, it was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who sent his name for confirmation when he was Acting President.

Remarkably, Onnoghen’s tenure ended abruptly, when he was forced to resign over charges brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bereau. He was hauled before the Code of Conduct Tribunal which, in an unprecedented manner, found him guilty and convicted him. He was humiliated out of office.

The pressure on President Buhari to confirm Dongban-Mensem attracted a reaction from the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, to the President, Garba Shehu. He explained, unconvincinly, that Justice Dongbam- Mensem was going through security checks. 24 hours after Shehu’s explanation, it may have been coincidental, her name was forwarded by Buhari, to the Senate, for confirmation.

On Thursday, based on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, the whole Senate confirmed her appointments as the President of the Court of Appeal.

Covid-19: Hostilities Resume In Spanish Football League

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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Laliga Football- The Spanish Football League

By Akinwale Kasali

The Spanish Football League, popularly known as ‘La Liga’ is set to resume after several months of halt due to the pandemic Covid-19 outbreak ravaging the world.

The Spanish Football Association had announced the resumption of the league, starting 11th June, 2020, with a Seville derby between Sevilla Football Club and Real Betis Football Club to kick start the resumption of the league.

No doubt, fatigue, match rustiness and weariness are will set in when the players get to the field of play, due to the long absence of playing the round leather game.

The matches will all be played behind closed doors just to curtail the spread of the virus, with players on the bench while the coaching crew and officials are mandated to put on a nose mask.

The sportmanship spirit that usually sees team shake hands and exchange pleasantries has been stopped, with the players just filling out, take pictures and the referee signals the commencement of the match after both Captains of the team have chosen the side of coin, and tossed by the center referee.

Though, the absence of fans at the stadium will have a toll on the revenue of the Clubs and the Football Association.

Barcelona Football Club has, however, raised a poser that it would have preferred the league to be cancelled, and Barcelona crowned Champions just like what played out in the French Football Ligue 1, in which Paris Saint Germain Football Club was crowned champion, with league matches still remaining.

The Catalan Club side said assuming it was its rival Club Side, Real Madrid Football Club that was on top of the league table, the league would have been cancelled and decided.

This the Spanish Football Association are taking up with the Catalan Giants, alleging that it was a defamatory statement.

COVID-19: Why We Shut Our Branches – WEMA Bank

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The Source

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June 11, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Wema Bank Plc has debunked the story making the rounds in the media that no fewer than 50 staff members of bank have been sent to the Lagos State isolation centres for the treatment and management of Coronavirus Disease. The bank says the story is false.

The company’s Corporate Affairs Executive, Funmi Falola said, “Well I dont know who they spoke to but it is such a lie.

“We have received confirmation of two positive COVID-19 cases in two of our branches nationwide. The infected staff are currently being treated after only displaying mild symptoms.

“In keeping with our commitment to ensure the safety of our customers, staff and community, we have notified customers who visited those branches to get tested.

“In light of this, both branches have been shut down for immediate disinfection and will only be reopened once we certify that it is safe enough for services to resume.

“Customers in the affected areas can continue to carry out transactions using our alternative banking channels – ALAT and *945#. Should you have any issues, you can call our customer service or visit any of our other branches close to you.”

“We implore everyone to keep up good hygiene practices ; do not discriminate or stigmatize infected persons and desist from spreading false information.”

The magazine gathered that the affected branch is the bank’s office at Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, which serves as regional and branch office.

Wema banks incident resulted in the sharp rise of the number of cases recorded by Lagos State, which had dropped below 100 for two consecutive days before rising to 170.

FG Approves N130 bn For Roads, Water Projects

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Bayo Bernard

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June 11, 2020

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Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway: Nigerians Call For FG’s Intervention

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was committed to improving road transport infrastructure in Nigeria, under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP.

The minister disclosed this on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council Meeting, FEC which approved over N115 billion for road construction across the country.

The Council also approved over N13 billion for the completion of water projects in the country.

The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said the Council approved the revised estimated total cost for the completion of Zungeru-Wushishi Water Supply Project in Niger State in favour of Messr R Services, Zilon Construction Services Joint Venture in the sum of N5.021 billion.

The water project was earlier awarded for N1.93 billion.

Speaking on the approval for roads Fashola stated that “The Ministry of Works presented two memoranda for consideration and award of three roads, all of which Council graciously approved.

They are the award of the Jebi-Lamba-Bele Road in Adamawa State for N26.829 billion. The Achingali-Udobi-Udona-Umuwana-Ubakala Road, including the bridge, across the Imo River in Imo State for the sum of N11.540 billion. The Jarmai-Bashar-Zuruk-Karim Lamido Road, linking Plateau and Taraba states, in the sum of N77.279 billion.”

The minister of works said the road projects will improve transportation in the country.

He said”For example, the road that links Plateau and Taraba states, when completed along with the Ibi Bridge, will reduce the journey time from Abuja to Jalingo in Taraba from about 12 hours to about eight hours.

It will be a significant reduction in journey time, and also the other roads will be equally beneficial in bringing down cost of goods, cost of transportation and cost of doing business,” he said.’

Meanwhile, Nigerians have called on the federal government to fix the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway.

The road has become impassable for motorists because of large potholes scattered on the long stretch of the highway.

Senate President Charges SEC DG On Investment

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Bayo Bernard

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June 11, 2020

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By Fola James

Ahmad Lawan, Nigeria’s Senate President has charged the Director General of the Security and Exchanged Commission, Lamido Yuguda to use his position to attract more investment to the country.

“The Securities and Exchange Commission must be efficient and effective in ensuring that we are able to attract and sustain not only domestic investment but foreign direct investment.

People should bring their monies and feel safe with their investments here. This is essential to create the very enabling climate for investors to be attracted and retained here in the country,” Lawan said yesterday during Yuguda’s confrimation as SEC director general.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yuguda on May 19 and sent his name to the Senate for confirmation.

“Pursuant to Section 3 and 5(1) of the Investment and Securities Act 2007, I write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following four nominees as Director General and Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),” the president said in the letter to the Senate.

He replaced Mary Uduk who served as acting director general after the sack of Munir Gwazo two years ago

The lawmakers also confirmed Reginald Karawusa, Ibrahim Boyi, and Temidayo Obisan, as executive commissioners for the commission.

Yuguda’s had earlier been described as the round peg in a round hole by the Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Markets, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

As an experienced administrator, Amosun said will turn the agency around.

Oil To Rise To $45 Per Barrel By December, Nigeria to Further Cut Production, Says Kyari

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Uche Mbah

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June 11, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

The group managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mele Kyari, has said that the currently approved oil Benchmark of $27 per barrel for the 2020 budget is on the low side, projecting that the rebounding oil price will reach about $45 per barrel by December. 2020.

The national assembly had reviewed the Oil benchmark downwards due to the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic from $57 to $27 per barrel. Oil dropped to more than twenty years low to $11 per barrel early this year lower than the cost of production, which is about $23 per barrel.

Kyari, who spoke at a webinar with oil majors and stakeholders, said the $27 per barrel is “on the low side”, said that with the current global rebalancing, there is hope.

“There are hope and expectation that with all the rebalancing that’s going on we could reach $42-$45 before the end of the year, which could compensate for the low prices in March and April,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria is targeting production costs at $10 a barrel by 2021 in order to remain competitive. “If you can’t do this,” he said, “ you walk away. This is not a business of subsidies.”

Nigeria has not been faithful to the organization of Oil exporting countries, OPEC, production cut regime, but Kyari insists the shortfall will be made up for in the future. Last May, Nigeria exceeded the quota by about 100,000 barrels and it impacted OPEC oil recovery plans. OPEC recovery plans have been sluggish since the faceoff of Saudi Arabia with Russia that resulted in a to-your-tent-oh-Isreal price regime. If the OPEC cut regime is implemented, it will amount to 10% of global demand. To meet up this demand, OPEC has directed Nigeria and Iraq, two countries that exceeded production quotas in May and June, to effect complementary production cuts from July to September.