After Anti Graft Agency recommended His Suspension, Sanusi Meets Ganduje During Sallah

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June 5, 2019

By Uche Mbah

Barely twenty four hours after Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission found the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, guilty of misappropriation of N3.4 billion belonging to Kano Emirate, the Governor of Kano state, Umar Ganduje and Sanusi met during Sallah prayers at the just concluded Eid at the prayer ground, Kofar Mata, Kano.

This is the first time that both gladiators are seen shaking hands in public in recent times, after they became estranged due to mutual distrust. Sanusi was said to have vigorously worked for the removal of Ganduje during the 2019 governorship elections. So it is believed that the travails of Sanusi is being instigated by Governor Ganduje due to the role played by the former during the 2019 elections. Ganduje won that election after a controversial rerun organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC

There has been various interpretations of the pictures going round, with analysts interpreting Sanusi’s posture as defeatist.

It is expected that the governor will expedite action on the suspension recommendation, a move analysts believe is for further humiliation of the Emir.

The fact that Emirs are subject to the whims and caprices of the executive arm of the government was a by product of the British imperialist arrangement, where they use the Emirs to rule in what was later modified into a process called indirect rule. Ganduje had recently balkanized the Kano Emirate, which has been in existence for over 200 years. That is history in the making.

Despite interventions from prominent individuals, including the Business Mogul Aliko Dangote, Ganduje had remained adamant in his determination to humiliate Sanusi.

It is believed that the governor could not have been able to pull through such high profile assault without the backing of the presidency. The Presidency, however, has kept mute about the Sanusi saga.

One Week After Inauguration, Buhari Yet To Announce Cabinet

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Uche Mbah

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June 5, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

One week after the inauguration of President Buhari for second term, he is yet to announce his cabinet, fueling speculations of a repeat of his first term delay that sent the nation into recession.

Buhari was sworn in on May 29th, 2019. He immediately flew out of the country for the Organization Of Islamic Countries, OIC, meeting. There he was vocal about the Palestinian cause, and had opportunities to meet the leaders of the Arab world.

The Nigerian traditional allies were absent during the inauguration.

His inaugural speech was absent at the swearing in, though it is believed that he shelved that in favor of June twelve, the new Democracy Day.

It took him six months to appoint ministers during his first term. Many of them ended up being dead woods, though he had indicated he did not place any premium on Ministers, whom he described as noise makers.

But since he came back from Saudi Arabia, he has been seen with his former Chief of Staff together, Abba Kyari, and other Aids,raising the question of whether he still works with his dissolved cabinet.

Kyari has been rumored to be one of the people who runs the country by proxy.

Recall that Aisha, the Wife of Muhammadu Buhari had lamented that about two or three people have hijacked the Presidency, effectively calling the President Lame Duck.

Rcently, the Central Bank, CBN, governor, Godwin Emefiele, had warned that Nigeria may return to recession. Many investors are waiting for the direction the government will take within the next four years. The capital market has been sluggish since after the elections,

They wait for the new direction, to know whether the routing of the Naira will continue. This Magazine findings indicate that there are different forex regimes, where a few powerful few buy forex at as low as N200 to the dollar and distribute to Bureau de Changes, BDCs, to sell at N360 per dollar.

It was alleged that such powerful individuals effectively lobbied for the retention of the current CBN governor.

The Emir of Kano had once warned that Buhari is making new millionaires through Forex.

As a former CBN governor, he should know.

British Court Seized Abacha’s 211 Million Pounds Loot

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The Source

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June 4, 2019

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A British court has seized 211,000,000 million pounds looted by the former Nigerian dictator and military head of state, General Sani Abacha.

According to report by the UK Metro, the said money was seized from a Jersey bank account that belonged to General Abacha.

The money was put in accounts held in Jersey by Doraville Properties Corporation, a British Virgin Islands company.

The money worth £211,000,000 was laundered through the U.S. into the Channel Islands but eventually discovered and recovered.

The report said, “Money to the value of £211,000,000 has been seized from a Jersey bank account that belonged to a former dictator.

“General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian army officer and de facto president between 1993 until his death in 1998.

“He laundered money through the U.S. into the Channel Islands and now that money has been recovered.

“The money was put in accounts held in Jersey by Doraville Properties Corporation, a British Virgin Islands company.

“The money is now being held by the government until authorities in Jersey, the U.S. and Nigeria come to an agreement on how it should be distributed.

“Any money that Jersey does keep will be put into the Criminal Confiscation Fund, which is used to pay for a variety of projects. In the past the fund has been used for the new police station and developments at La Moye Prison.

“It is expected that even more money held by Doraville is likely to be seized and paid into the Civil Asset Recovery Fund in the future.”

Attorney General Robert MacRae said: “In restraining the funds at the request of the United States of America, through whose banking system the funds were laundered prior to arriving here, and in achieving the payment of the bulk of the funds into the Civil Asset Recovery Fund, Jersey has once again demonstrated its commitment to tackling international financial crime and money laundering.”

It would be recalled that in 2014, at the request of the U.S. authorities, the Island’s Attorney General applied for, and the Royal Court granted, a restraining order over the Jersey bank account balance of Doraville.

The purpose of the restraining order was to preserve the money until a final civil asset recovery order could be registered in the Royal Court.

Doraville applied to the Royal Court for the restraint order to be discharged, but the Royal Court dismissed the application in 2016.

Then in 2017, Doraville challenged the Royal Court’s decision, taking the case to Jersey’s Court of Appeal. That challenge was again rejected.

Finally, following the decision of Jersey’s Court of Appeal, Doraville made an application to appeal against the restraint order before the Privy Council – Jersey’s ultimate appellate court.

In February 2018 the Privy Council announced its rejection of this final legal challenge.

Last week, Solicitor General Mark Temple gave a presentation in Vienna, Austria, about Doraville at a UN conference on corruption.

He said: “The conference of the States Parties to the United Nations convention against corruption is an important international forum concerned with anti-corruption measures and asset returns.

“The conference was a good opportunity to demonstrate progress with the Doraville case, as well as Jersey’s determination to deal with international financial crime more generally.” (NAN)

FG Deny Approving State Police

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Uche Mbah

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June 4, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The Federal Government has denied the news going round that President Mohammadu Buhari has signed an Executive Order approving the establishment of state Police, describing it as Fake News.

Stories have been going round that the Presidency has approved the establishment of state and local Police. Some traditional media even carried the news.

But The Source check indicated that the news emanated from the submission of the report of investigations into the activities of the special Anti Robbery squad, SARS, submitted to the Presidency in Aso Rock recently.

The Panel, chaired by the Executive Secretary, Human Rights Commission, Anthony Ojukwu, have recommended, among other things, ”Signiﬁcant improvement in the funding, kitting and facilities of the Nigeria Police Force; Strengthening Information and Communication Technology of the Force; Establishment of State and local government Police.”. This was what has been reported as approval of state and local police.

Meanwhile, the special Adviser to Buhari on Digital Media, Tolu Ogunlesi,has debunked the story. In a tweet, Ogunlesi called the news Fake News.

The Presidency itself has released a statement clarifying the issue, using the Official twitter handle of the President, @Mbuhari.

Below is the press statement.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT BUHARI HAS NOT APPROVED STATE/LG POLICE – PRESIDENCY Pres Muhammadu Buhari Monday received a report on the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The President requested that the report be studied & a white paper produced within 3 months.

The report of the white paper committee will form the basis of the decisions of the government on the many recommendations, including the setting up of state and local government police made by the Ojukwu panel.

President Buhari’s specific directive is that a three-man panel be set up to produce the white paper.

Until a white paper is produced, it will be premature and pre-emptive to suggest that the recommendations contained in the report have been approved by the President in part or whole.

Police Arrest 38 Arms Smugglers, Kidnappers, Recover 6000 Live Ammunition, Others

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The Source

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June 3, 2019

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The unrelenting efforts of Operatives of the Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Forces attached to Operation Puff Adder have resulted in the dismantling on 25^th May, 2019 of a 4-man international arms-smuggling syndicate.

The criminal gang operates between parts of North African, the Sahel region and West African Countries.

A total of 6000 AK47 Live ammunition were recovered from them.

The 4-man syndicate comprising: Ojoomo Olugbenga 45yrs native of Akure Central, Ondo State,

ii. Oladimeji Adeogun 50yrs native of Ido LGA of Oyo State

iii. Habib Musibau 24yrs old native of Oluyole LGA of Oyo State and

Thomas Olumuyiwa 54yrs old, native of Ado-odo Ota LGA of Ogun State, all male, were arrested at Saki town, Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Oyo State.

Police taking inventory of the recovered arms

Investigation reveals that the syndicate specializes in smuggling small arms, light weapons and ammunition from North Africa through the Sahel region and supplying same to their criminal partners – kidnappers, armed robbers, political thugs and other criminal elements – in Nigeria and other West African countries.

In addition, another set of twenty (24) AK47 rifles, four (4) pump action guns, eleven (11) Dane guns, Ten (10) English Pistols, Two single barrel guns, One set of army camouflage uniform and twenty two (22) live cartridges were recovered from other criminal gangs in different parts of the country.

A total of thirty-eight (38) suspects were arrested for their different roles in various criminal operations ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cattle rustling.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, while appreciating the general public for providing useful information to the Police, has commended his men for this and many other feats as he re-assures the nation that the Police will continually work round the clock along with other security agencies towards ensuring improved border security, control of arms proliferation and combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the country.

By Frank Mba

2023: Tinubu May Decamp To PDP, Settle For VP Position

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Uche Mbah

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June 2, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Indications are that the strong man of Bourdillon, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may soon jettison his position as a national leader of the All Progressives congress, APC, preparatory to pulling out of the party he played a prominent role in it’s establishment and running, if information available to this magazine is to be believed.

In recent times, Tinubu appears to be swimming against the tide of public opinion in the South west due to his perceived silence and support for what an analyst called Fulani Oligarchs over the weekend. While he is busy with his political ambition, the South west has come under siege from herdsmen attacks. For example, reports indicate that Ile Ife road has become a haven for kidnappers and herdsmen.

Many Yoruba socio-cultural groups have voiced out their angst about the direction the APC is heading to, and has been overtly critical of the Central government. Tinubu has, however, remained mute. This, analysts believe, is due to his ambition to become the President of Nigeria come 2023.

Tinubu himself gave fillip to the rumors when he said that he is under pressure to contest for the presidency in 2023. Even before then, many Northern leaders had come out to say that the Presidency will remain in the North. Even the Kaduna state governor, Nasiru el-Rufai, had to openly advice Lagosians on how to deal with Godfathers, a statement that sparked controversy within the Nigerian political space.

Tinubu had relocated to Abuja to influence the emergence of his candidates in the National Assembly elections, who will be beholding to him and help him in his bid towards 2023. But it appears he is up against tough times.

But indications that APC may crumbling has made him to re-strategize, sources claim. The Party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who was said to have been imposed on the party by Tinubu through a voice vote during their convention, suddenly became endangered. His deputy started the campaign for his resignation, and it caught on. And Tinubu is said to have decided on his next line of action.

Indications from credible sources are that he is consulting with the Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on the possibility of his being chosen as his running mate in 2023. Tambuwal has reportedly been preparing for the 2023 presidential elections, baring the out come of the Court case instituted by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Tambuwal contested against Atiku during the Primaries.

If the alliance works, Tinubu may be forced to decamp to the PDP, which is gaining grounds through court judgements. And it will spell disaster for the APC. Tinubu has a deep pocket, apart from being an astute political strategist.

This alleged clandestine move has rattled the APC high command. Suddenly, the National working committee of the party are standing behind Oshiomhole. His immediate predecessor, John Oyegun, however, is understandably at the forefront of the Oshiomhole-must-go campaign.

Even those who were attacking him have begun to sing a different tune. El-Rufai has suddenly remembered that the was being pressurized to attack Tinubu. He also tries to rationalize his godfather statement, claiming it is not targeted at Tinubu. The Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, hinted that they may take a closer look at the Alleged Bullion Van scandal.

During the 2019 elections, some Bullion vans were seen being driven to Tinubu’s Lagos residence. Tinubu later allegedly claimed that the money was his, and that he was under no obligation to explain the circumstances under which they were taken to his house.

Rumors are rife that underground negotiations and horse tradings are going on to appease him. Only time shall tell how things will shape up in the long run.

Before the Planned Downgrading of an Igbo Man in Enugu State

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The Source

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June 2, 2019

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By Gwiyi Solomon

Either way, the Federal Government’s decision to close or downgrade the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport as revealed by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is an ill wind – ill-conceived, ill-timed and ill-delivered.

Again, an Igbo man’s place in the conflagration called “Nigeria” has been brought to the fore for re-examination.

Aside the fact that Ndigbo have been at the receiving end of virulent marginalisation, utter negligence and other gross ill treatments since coming on board of the present Federal government; no economic viable country would contemplate closing or downgrading the status of its already existing international gateway, when it can comfortably afford the resources required for reconstruction or rehabilitation where necessary at its own Airport, serving its economic needs; safe if there is an agenda hidden from the public.

While it is only moral to appreciate the safety concerns of the Minister who made this disclosure in a Town hall meting in Lagos, I have no apologies reminding the Federal agent that the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport is to an Igbo what Port Harcourt International Airport is to the Niger Deltan; it is to the North what Kaduna international Airport is to the Hausa man; and it is to the West what Lagos International Airport is to the Yorubas.

Contemplating the downgrading of such sensitive international gateway through which the entire South Eastern Nigeria connects to the world outside their environment; instead of rehabilitation or reconstruction of the ailing areas will only amount to overstretching the patience of an Igbo man; as Akanu Ibiam Airport lives at the centre of their heart.

It is even more disheartening that the Enugu Airport was only lately given its current international status by the former President GoodLuck Jonathan; when the other regions were already savoring the joy of hosting such global feat in their environs for many years without threats of any sort.

The Minister’s concerns citing dangerous runway, the location of an abattoir and Market at the end of the runway, Bird strikes and other issues as reasons for his provocative pronouncement on the only international Airport in the entire South East does not fly and cannot do so for whatever reason; as any sensible, sensitive and serious minded government could have taken care of the concerns raised in a matter of hours.

Thankfully, the government of Enugu state, rising from a State Executive Council meeting, had promptly closed down the Emene market and abattoir, at the same time while making efforts to relocate the Business zone near the airport to avert the federal government’s planned onslaughts.

Happily, “the Senate has, in their last plenary, kicked against the plans by the presidency to downgrade Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu over security issues. Instead, they asked the Federal government to make efforts to repair and expand the runway to reduce the security risks that the Aviation ministry has complained about.”

That, I believe is enough and should be heeded by the FG; as downgrading the Akanu Ibiam international airport in Enugu state will amount to the downgrading of an Igbo man.

Gwiyi Solomon Writes from Uzo Uwani, Enugu state.

Oando: Tinubu, Others Face EFCC Probe

By

Bayo Bernard

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June 1, 2019

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The Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc Wale Tinubu is expected to be a guest of the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC anytime soon over allegation of mismanagement of billions of naira belonging to the oil servicing company.

Tinubu alongside other top management of the company were on Friday sacked by the Security and Exchange Commission, SEC over breach of corporate governance as regard the management of finances of Oando.

Apart from Tinubu, his deputy, Mofe Boye was also mentioned in the scam.

They have both been banned for holding any public office for a period of five years.

SEC sacked the two top Oando executives following investigations of petition against the company in 2017.

After wielding the big stick, the commission said, it has reported the matter to the “Nigerian Stock Exchange, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the corporate Affairs Commission” for further disciplinary action against Tinubu and others.

The magazine learned that the regulatory agency brought down the hammer on Tinubu and his associate after they allegedly dipped their hands into the finances of the company.

The commission has also directed some members of the Board of the Oando Group to resign immediately.

The discovery was made after SEC employed two auditing firms, Deloitte and Touche to conduct forensic audit on the activities of Oando Plc.

For instance, SEC disclosed in its report that Tinubu and his deputy paid themselves bogus allowance running into several billions of naira without following due process.

Most of the financial transactions conducted by Tinubu and his cohorts as directors of the company were” not conducted at arms’ length” SEC said.

The commission has directed those involved in the scam to return all the monies they took without due process.

The regulatory agency said it took the action based on its powers derived from section 304 of the investments and Securities Act, ISA 2007.

According to SEC in its report “certain infractions of securities and other relevant laws were observed. The commission further engaged Deloite and Touche to conduct a forensic audit of the activities of Oando Plc.

“The general public is hereby notified of the conclusion of the investigations of Oando Plc. The findings from the report revealed serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements, internal control failures, and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight, irregular approval of directors’ remuneration, unjustified disbursements to directors and management of the company, related party transactions not conducted at arms’ length, among other,” SEC said.

According to SEC the case of Oando will serve as deterrence to other companies. “The commission is confident that with the implementation of the above directives and introduction of some remedial measures, such unwholesome practices by public companies would be significantly reduced,” SEC said.

This is “in line with the federal government’s resolve to build strong institutions, board of public companies” who must begin to “properly perform their fiduciary duties as required under extant securities laws,” the commission said.

Nigeria Spends 60% of Revenue On Debts, The Economist Says

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Uche Mbah

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June 1, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The Economist, the international Business Magazine that is considered to be the mouthpiece of International Banking Concerns, has said that Nigeria spends sixty percent of her earnings to service loans.

In a publication on their website monitored in Lagos, The Magazine said the Nigerian government is postponing a crisis, not averting one.

“Officials are postponing a crisis, not averting one. Consider borrowing. The debt-to-GDP ratio is 28 per cent, but Nigeria collects so little in tax that interest payments swallow about 60 per cent of federal revenues,” the Magazine said.

Since the Buhari administration, the country has gone into a borrowing spree that has not ended even with fears of mortgaging future generations to debt overhang.

Their borrowing from China has been a source of worry since China do not like to renegotiate but will immediately seize the collateral, as they have done in an African country, where they have seized an International Airport.

“Where urgency is needed, Mr Buhari offers only caution. Few are holding their breath for any more drive in his second term, which began on May 29th”, the report said.

The report painted a gloomy picture of the future of Nigerian economy, describing it as stuck like a stranded truck.

“The Nigerian economy is stuck like a stranded truck. Average incomes have been falling for four years; the IMF thinks they will not rise for at least another six.

The latest figures put unemployment at 23 per cent, after growing for 15 consecutive quarters. Some 94 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, more than in any other country, and the number is swelling.

By 2030, a quarter of very poor people will be Nigerians, predicts the World Data Lab, which counts such things.”

Since Buhari took over power in Nigeria, he has run the government without an economic team. But he he has so many aids and assistants on image laundering and propaganda.

Militant Ultimatum Expires Today As Bakassi Boys Are Resurrected

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Uche Mbah

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June 1, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

The Abia state government has resurrected the dreaded Bakkasi boys just as the ultimatum given to the Federal Government by the Niger Delta Militants expires today, June 1st 2019.

A militant group had recently given notice to the effect that it would, on June 1st, 2019, declare a new republic, the Niger Delta republic. The group insists it no longer wanted the Niger Delta region to be part of Nigeria. For good measure, it added: “We are militarily prepared to defend our territory.”

The group hinged its anger on what it described as the anti-Niger Delta decisions of the Muhammadu Buhari -led government. It cited as examples, the sack of the former acting Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mathew Seiyefa and, the humiliation of Walter Onnoghen, out of office, as the Chief justice of Nigeria, among others.

Sources alleged that the President went into panic mode, claiming it was the reason he signed an Executive Order withdrawing all gun licenses.

The last time any group from the Niger Delta threatened the Federal government was in 2015, after the hand over of power to President Muhammadu Buhari by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the time, a group had threatened to bomb Aso Rock, giving dates. A day to the expiration of the ultimatum, President Buhari jetted out to London, apparently treating the threat as a non-issue. But sources also claimed Aso Rock remained deserted during that period.

Coincidentally, within this same period, the Abia state government announced the resurrection of the Bakkasi Boys, a local vigilante group which was popular in the South- east during the Presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. Bakassi lost its popularity it became too powerful and lawless, and engaged in several extra judicial killings.

The group became a law unto itself and summarily executed alleged criminals without recourse to the rule of law. It was founded at the same time as the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, which also had a bad reputation until the elders of the South-west called the members to order.

While Obasanjo clamped down on the Bakkasi boys, the OPC was transformed into a socio-cultural vigilante group. Its factional leader, Ganiyu adams,, was arrested then, and later released. Today, he is the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.

But the Abia state government says it is recruiting about 800 men and women as members of the new reformed Bakassi boys who, according to the state government, will tackle crime and cultism in schools.

Recruitment is said to be currently underway.

Also, a group of Yoruba youths had, last week, given an ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate Yoruba land before May 31st. The Ultimatum expired yesterday.

Though analysts believe the ultimatum may just be hot air, there appears to be an increase in the onslaught, by alleged Fulani herdsmen, in the South west recently. Reports indicate there is a silent war going on, but which is currently under-reported.

Most Nigerians are very nervous about the worsening security situation in the country. They expected President Buhari to address the issue on his inauguration day on May 29. But he did not address the nation, choosing to do so on June 12, the day his government has chosen as the new democracy day, in honor of Chief MKO Abiola. Abiola the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, died in Military detention, under General Sani Abacha, after the election was cancelled by former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.