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Yahaya Bello: Youth, CSO Condemn EFCC Over Use of Force on Peaceful Protesters

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Yahaya Bello: Youth, CSO Condemn EFCC Over Use of Force on Peaceful Protesters

EX GOVERNOR BELLO’S INVESTIGATION: Youth, CSO condemn EFCC over use of force on peaceful protesters, accuse Commission of attacks on members, journalists and vehicles

Pandemonium rented the air at the headquarters of the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission EFCC on Monday, caused by the alleged use of force on peaceful protest by the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission against a Coalition of Kogi Youth and Civil Society Organizations.

The protest which was adjudged peaceful by passerbys until the men of the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission became uncontrollable and began to destroy vehicles belonging to protesters and dispersed peaceful protest with gunshots.

Earlier a group of Igala youth have had their protest in solidarity with the EFCC on the ongoing prosecution of ex Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. The youth who enjoyed the cover and protection of the EFCC submitted their petition and left and when it was about time for the larger crowd of pro- ex Governor Yahaya Bello, the officials of the EFCC started chasing people with dogs, big sticks and gunshots. An action that led to passerbys scampering for safety.

While addressing the Journalists, leader of the pro Yahaya Bello group, Comrade Conscious Richard describe the action of the Commission as one that is most likely sponsored to persecute the former Governor. Mr Richard said their visit to the EFCC was to advocate court trial and not media trial, argue for rule of law and not press conferences, demand prosecution and not persecution.

He said the action of their group is rather a support to justice, struggle for fairness and demand for right thing to be done by the EFCC on the ongoing probe. He however expressed grave disappointment in the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission for turning itself to tool for political persecution. He further said that the EFCC with their actions on this matter is already complicit and is fast losing its respect as an institution because of reducing the mandate of the Commission to that of serving as a tool to settle political and power struggle.

Mr Richard warn that EFCC should not bungle the beautiful anti-corruption war the Tinubu administration is fighting with optimum respect for rule of law, obedience to court orders and apolitical approach required by a very sensitive Institution like EFCC.

Mr Conscious Richard says many of their members were wounded, arrested,.their vehicles damaged and even journalists were not left out in the attack. He called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the EFCC to do it’s job in a manner that respects rule of law and order.

Attempt to reach the spokesperson of the Economic and Finance Crime Commission proved abortive as at the time of filing this report

Cardinal Odunmbaku Set To Receive Leadership Award In UK

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Cardinal Odunmbaku Set To Receive Leadership Award In UK

The President Soulwinners Ministry Worldwide Cardinal Prophet James Omolaja Odunmbaku has been shortlisted as one of the eminent Nigerians to be honoured at the upcoming Face of Africa Leadership Awards, London 2024.

The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions in nation-building and national development.

The organisers, Triangle Media International said the event will take place on May 17, 2024 at 29-31 Hare Street, London SE18 6NE, UK.

It is aimed at celebrating individuals and corporate organisations from Nigeria and Africa who have excelled in both public and private endeavors.

The publisher of Triangle Media, Otunba Femi Salako, who emphasised the significance of recognising outstanding achievements within the African community, said the forthcoming event promises to be a grand affair, serving as a platform to honour those who have made remarkable contributions to various sectors, ranging from governance, business and entrepreneurship to arts and culture, education, healthcare, technology, and more.

Cardinal Odunmbaku popularly known as Baba Eto is the founder of influential political group, The Mandate Movement which has a nationwide presence.

He is a holder of national honour, Member Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and has helped in shaping the politics of South West, especially Lagos.

Founder of AMVCDI, John Ondoma Joins in Abuja National Integration Conference

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Founder of AMVCDI, John Ondoma Joins in Abuja National Integration Conference

The founder of Advocates for Moral Values & Civic Duties Initiative (AMVCDI), formerly Value System Initiative (VSI), John-Freeman O. Ondoma on Friday, April 26 joined other patriotic Nigerians in a national dialogue aimed at building a united country.

At a National Integration Conference at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, with the theme: “Revisiting the national question: Nigeria’s elusive search for National integration,” organised by the Kukah Centre, with support from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, speakers were in unison in their call for a mechanism that will foster peace and national integration.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said that Nigeria’s pluralism and its vast diversity in ethnicity, language and religion, remains a valuable asset to the nation.

A NAN report quoted the Speaker as saying that embracing and leveraging the country’s pluralism would propel Nigeria towards a more unified and prosperous future where the collective strengths of its diverse population would be fully harnessed.

Also speaking, the founder of Kukah Centre, Bishop Matthew Kukah while stressing the urgent need for nation building, urged all Nigerians to stop the blame game and unite for the good of the country.

“Building our nation is not about apportioning blame. It is about the urgency of national integration. National integration doesn’t necessarily mean everybody must be the same. It is for us in Nigeria to understand the intricacies of managing diversity.

“National cohesion is important because without it, it is impossible for us to grow. This country is increasingly in recession. So, the urgency of national cohesion is a call that we must make and continue to make,” he said

Others present at the event include, Annup Vyas -Head of Conflict, Stability and Security, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, Prof. Talla Ngarka S. FHSN- Chairman, Taraba Independent State Peace Architecture, Jake Epelle – founder TAF Africa and Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR OFR MFR, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Others are former chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, BOT member, The Kukah Centre, Dr. Enyantu Anna Ifenne, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa Mr. Samson Itodo, Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited and security expert Kabir Adamu, former Commissioner in Kogi State Zainab Okino, former NLC president and a member of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Barr. Gloria Ballason, and a host of other dignitaries.

Images from the conference

Itsekiri people debunk viral video protesting against Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Limited

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Itsekiri people debunk viral video protesting against Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Limited

Itsekiri personnel of the Tantita Security Services Limited on Friday debunked a viral video where some persons were seen protesting against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and his security outfit, claiming that Itsekiri people have not been employed in the firm.

The Tantita beneficiaries of Itsekiri extraction had gathered at Ugbodede Community, in Warri South Local Government Area, of Delta State to counter the viral video during a press briefing on Friday.

Fidelis Lori, Coordinator of Obodo, Opumami Cluster, and six other communities asserted that several Itsekiri indigenes have ongoing paid employment with Tantita Security Services Limited.

“We have contract with the Tantita Security Services Limited. We have those that are employed directly by Tantita Security Services and by the grace of God, most of our coordinators are here.

“We are here to tell the general public that whatever they were saying was indeed misleading. Itsekiri communities to the best of our knowledge have been carried along.

“We’ve looked into that video closely, and in analyzing it, we discovered that those that are involved in the purported protest are not Itsekiri indigenes. These impersonators, they’re not from our communities. The people you are seeing here now are the people representing Itsekiri communities.

“In my cluster, where I happen to be the coordinator, I have about 135 job slots, it’s already ongoing and payment is prompt,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Engr. Samson Uwatse, Coordinator of Tantita, Ugbodede Unit, covering routes along Warri rivers maintained that Tantita Security has touched so many lives in the Itsekiri region.

“We have employees in Ugbodede Community as a whole. In this community, we have women employees, elders, and youths who are partaking in Tantita Security Services, and they all have been paid every month.

“So, with all these, I want to inform the entire nation that those people that are saying that Tompolo and Tantita are not carrying Itsekiri along are liars as the Tantita office is doing well in fighting oil theft in the nation. We the Itsekiris are here to support it fully,” Uwatse stated.

Another Tantita beneficiary, Kuyatsemi Collins and others condemned those behind the viral videos, stressing that they are not happy with the false and mischievous accusation, that Tantita is not giving attention to Itsekiri people.

He noted that they were at the press conference “to say that it’s not true.”

PAP: Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum Applauds Appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro

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PAP: Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum Applauds Appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro

……..as Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme

The Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum extends its heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Security Adviser, Dr. Nuhu Ribadu, for their discernment and wisdom in appointing Dr. Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Dr. Otuaro’s appointment is not only a testament to his exceptional qualifications but also to his deep-rooted understanding of the challenges facing our region. As a grassroots leader, Dr. Otuaro is uniquely positioned to address the needs of our people and drive meaningful change in the Niger Delta.

Since assuming office, Dr. Otuaro has wasted no time in rolling out his comprehensive agenda and strategies aimed at repositioning the Presidential Amnesty Programme. His proactive approach and commitment to inclusivity have already begun to yield positive results, earning him widespread support from various stakeholders within the region.

The recent allegations made by the Coalition of Civil Society of the Niger Delta are unfounded and baseless. It is regrettable that certain individuals have chosen to undermine the progress being made under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. We categorically refute these claims and urge the public to disregard such misinformation.

We firmly believe that Dr. Otuaro’s tenure will usher in a new era of prosperity and stability for the Niger Delta region. The Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum stands firmly behind him and pledges its unwavering support as he continues to fulfill his mandate.

We once again express our gratitude to Mr. President and the NSA for their foresight in appointing Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and we look forward to working closely with him to achieve our shared vision of a brighter future for the Niger Delta.

Yahaya Bello: EFCC Withdraws Alleged Fraud Case At Appeal Court

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has made the decision to drop its lawsuit against Yahaya Bello, the embattled former governor of Kogi State, in the Court of Appeal.

The EFCC said the notice of withdrawal is predicated on the fact that the application filed has been overtaken by the decision of the Kogi State High Court.

This was made known in court application filed on Tuesday at the Court of Appeal Abuja judicial division by J. S. Okutepa, SAN and others on behalf of the Commission.

The commission said the subject of the appeal has been determined by the Kogi High Court Judge, Justice Jamil J. on April 17, 2024.

The EFCC, therefore, told the court that the notice of appeal was filed out of time and now pray that the appeal be struck out for being filed out of time and incompetent.

Platinum Times reported that the EFCC, on Tuesday stepped up its bid to prosecute the ex-Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello for alleged misappropriation of public funds.

Bello has also been declared wanted by the EFCC, and is alleged to have stolen about N80 billion from the Kogi treasury.

Industrial Court orders Nigerian Army to approve Voluntary Discharge of Corporal Raymond, nullifies rank deduction

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Industrial Court orders Nigerian Army to approve Voluntary Discharge of Corporal Raymond, nullifies rank deduction

The Presiding Judge, Uyo Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Salisu Danjidda has nullified the purported summary trial and reduction in rank of Raymond Ibiamu from Corporal to Lance Corporal by the officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Armed Forces Council, the Nigerian Army Council and Chief of Army Staff as a breach of his right to fair hearing guaranteed by the rules of natural justice.

The Court declared the refusal of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff and 3 others to process Corporal Raymond Ibiamu’s application for voluntary discharge as unlawful and a breach of the terms and conditions of service guiding his employment.

Justice Danjidda ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff, Brig. Gen. T. A. Lagbaja and 2 others to process and approve the voluntary discharge of Raymond Ibiamu in line with Armed Forces Harmonised Terms and Conditions and compute and pay his gratuity, pension and other benefits accruable to him as a Corporal and the sum of N500,000 cost of action within thirty days.

From facts, the claimant- Lance Corporal Raymond Ibiamu had submitted that he was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1997 and he rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of a Corporal in 2014.

Lance Corporal Raymond further stated that he was charged for seeking redress against a superior officer and a decision was passed reducing his rank from Corporal to Lance Corporal and 14 days imprisonment with hard labour.

Lance Corporal Raymond averred that he applied for voluntary discharge from the Nigerian Army in accordance with the laid down procedure and having served for 18 years but his application was not approved.

In defense, the Defendants- Nigerian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff and 3 others denied all the allegations and stated that Lance Corporal Raymond abandoned his duties and not entitled to the reliefs sought.

The Defendants contended that by the Armed Forces Act, the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the ground that Lance Corporal Raymond failed to exhaust the internal remedies available to an aggrieved soldier before instituting an action, and urged the Court to dismiss the case in its entirety.

In addition, Counsel to the Nigerian Armed Forces contended that the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers prohibits payment of salaries and allowances to soldiers who do not merit the same or abandon service.

In opposition, the counsel to the claimant, Bem Hanaze Esq argued that asking the Nigerian Army authorities to sit as a judge in their refusal to discharge his client upon application would make no sense, and averred that the reduction of the rank of Raymond Ibiamu from Corporal to Lance Corporal was done in breach of the rules of natural justice and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a well-considered judgement, the Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Salisu Danjidda held that the action of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff and 3 others penalising Lance Corporal Raymond Ibiamu when he sought redress against his superior officer goes contrary to the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff and 3 others cannot invoke the provisions of the Armed Forces Act to contend that Lance Corporal Raymond did not exhaust the internal mechanism before Instituting the action.

Justice Danjidda affirmed jurisdiction and strongly expressed that Lance Corporal Raymond Ibiamu’s right to institute the suit cannot be taken away by the provisions of the Armed Forces Act as his earlier efforts to seek redress against his wrongful detention were met with strong admonition, ill-treatment and threats.

The Court stated that the ill-treatment of Lance Corporal Raymond by the Nigerian Armed Forces is reprehensible and the entire process leading to his reduction of rank violates the established principle of fair hearing.

“It is evidently established by the Claimant that the attitude displayed by the officers of the Defendants raises a case of bias, hostility and ill-treatment against the Claimant.” Justice Danjidda

visit the judgment portal for full details

₦‎8 Billion Probe : Ex-aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Spends Second Night In EFCC

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₦‎8 Billion Probe : Ex-aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Spends Second Night In EFCC

Former Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika, has spent his second consecutive night in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody as investigations continue into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

Sources within the EFCC, who requested anonymity due to the matter’s sensitivity, confirmed that Sirika is being questioned about the controversial Nigeria Air project, which has raised concerns nationwide.

The probe aims to unravel the failed project’s circumstances and the extent of financial mismanagement involved.

“The interrogators are also probing Mr. Sirika over the controversial Nigeria Air project that failed. Though the commission is yet to uncover the total amount that was expended on the project, however, investigation is ongoing, and Sirika would be arraigned in court next week as charges are being prepared against him,” a source told Punch.

Another source disclosed, “The former Minister of Aviation is still with us. Sirika slept over here at our FCT Command on Tuesday night, and he’s still with us this Wednesday night, as he’s still being grilled by interrogators.”

The EFCC had earlier revealed alleged fraudulent practices within the Aviation Ministry under Sirika’s tenure, including awarding contracts to companies, one of which reportedly belongs to his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.

Sirika arrived at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command on Tuesday afternoon and has since been undergoing intensive questioning regarding his involvement in the alleged fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his sibling.

The former minister’s detention follows mounting pressure and scrutiny surrounding his tenure as Aviation Minister, particularly regarding the Nigeria Air project and the allocation of contracts.

Saudi Arabia’s First Alcohol Store Has Opened In The Diplomatic Quarter

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Saudi Arabia’s First Alcohol Store Has Opened In The Diplomatic Quarter

Saudi Arabia has said it will open a shop in Riyadh selling alcohol to a select band of non-Muslim expats, the first to open in more than 70 years.

The clientele will be limited to diplomatic staff, who have for years imported booze in sealed official packages known as diplomatic pouches.

Saudi officials said the shop would counter “the illicit trade of alcohol”.

Prohibition has been law since 1952, after one of King Abdulaziz’s sons drunkenly shot dead a British diplomat.

The new store will be located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter west of the city centre, according to a document seen by the AFP and Reuters news agencies.

A source familiar with the plans told Reuters the shop was expected to open within weeks. There will be limitations, however:

Thirsty envoys would need to register beforehand and receive clearance by the government
No one under 21 will be allowed in the store and “proper attire is required” at all times inside
Drinkers will not be able to send a proxy, such as a driver
Monthly limitations would be enforced, the statement said.
However – according to the document seen by AFP – these will not be particularly stringent.

Patrons will be limited to 240 “points” of alcohol per month. One litre of spirits will be worth six points, one litre of wine three points and one litre of beer one point.

There are also no suggestions that the clientele will be widened to “ordinary” foreigners in the kingdom without diplomatic privileges, who officially have no access to alcohol.

While alcohol will become part of Riyadh life, drinkers would be wise to be mindful of where they drink and how they behave afterwards.

Under current Saudi law, penalties for consumption or possession of alcohol can include fines, jail time, public flogging and deportation for unauthorised foreigners.

The document also said authorities are planning a “new regulatory framework” that would also allow “specific quantities” of alcohol to be brought in by diplomats to “put an end to… an uncontrolled exchange of such goods”, it added.

For years diplomatic staff have had to use their “pouches”, which cannot be tampered with by authorities in their host country, to bring in limited amounts of alcohol.

The moves are the latest in a series of initiatives known as “Vision 2030” to liberalise Saudi society under the crown prince and de facto ruler of the country, Mohammed bin Salman.

Other Gulf states operate similar alcohol regimes.

However, the UAE and Qatar also allow the sale of alcohol to non-Muslims over 21 in hotels, clubs and bars.

There is no suggestion from the Saudi document that the government there is considering doing the same.

While alcohol is forbidden under Islam, Saudi Arabia had until 1952 held a conciliatory attitude to its presence inside the kingdom.

That changed after Mishari bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a prince, shot dead Cyril Ousman, the British vice-consul in Jeddah, in 1951 for refusing to pour him another drink at a function.

A year later, King Abdulaziz imposed a total ban on alcohol. Mishari was convicted of murder.

Tanzania Shuts Down 5 Hydroelectric Stations To Reduce Excess Electricity

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Tanzania Shuts Down 5 Hydroelectric Stations To Reduce Excess Electricity

Tanzania has shut down five hydroelectric stations to reduce excess electricity in the national grid, the prime minister Kassim Majaliwa has said.

According to Majaliwa, the main plant, Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, has alone generated enough electricity to power major cities.

Among the cities that are being powered is Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.

“We have turned off all these stations because the demand is low and the electricity production is too much, we have no allocation now,” an official from the state-run power company, Tanesco, said.

The 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere hydropower dam is said to be almost full of water, following heavy rains that started early this year.

A current spell of extreme weather has led to at least 58 deaths in Tanzania and devastated other East African nations like Kenya.

It is the first time Tanzania, which suffers chronic power shortages, has closed hydroelectric stations as a result of excess production.

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