Panic in Anambra Assembly as armed DSS operatives try to ‘arrest’ member-elect

There was panic at the Anambra State House of Assembly as four armed men, suspected to be operatives of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), tried to whisk away member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr. Onyekachukwu Ike. The armed men drove into the Assembly Complex in three vehicles and grabbed the member-elect after he participated in a valedictory Thanksgiving mass for the seventh Assembly. They forced the member-elect into their vehicle and were trying to drive out of the Assembly complex when security personnel quickly locked the exit gate. The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Esther Aneto, and other senior staff lamented that the suspected DSS operatives did not inform them or even the Police personnel at the Assembly before trying to whisk Ike away. One of the suspected DSS operatives, however, explained that they had a court order to arrest the member-elect. It took the intervention of the Speaker, Dr Uche Okafor, and the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who came to represent the Governor at the Valedictory session of the seventh Assembly, before the member-elect was released. 

Road Repairs: Senate approves N6.7bn refund for Kebbi

The Nigerian Senate has approved a payment of N6.7 billion to Kebbi Government as a refund for repairs carried out on Federal Government roads in the state. This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts at Thursday’s plenary. The report was on “Promissory note and bond issuance as a refund to Kebbi State government for projects executed on behalf of the federal government.” The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Clifford Ordia while presenting the report, said that the committee recommended N6.706 billion as promissory note and bond issuance. He said that the amount was to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the Kebbi government. Ordia said that the Senate had on Sept. 21, 2022, considered the report of the President on the “Establishment of a Promissory Note Programme and a Bond Issuance” as a refund to Kebbi and Yobe states. “It was for projects executed on behalf of the federal government. “The report was referred to the committee for further legislative action,” he said. Ordia said that promissory note programme and bond issuance was a financial instrument to clear federal government’s debt to other governmental and non-governmental bodies in various sectors of the economy. “Specifically, this promissory note and bond issuance is designed to make refunds to three state governments for projects executed on behalf of the federal government in the aforementioned states. “The communication has contained a request for approval of N18.6 billion for Yobe Government, N2.47 billion for Taraba Government and N6.7 billion for Kebbi State Government. “It will be recalled that the committee noted that it would resume the consideration of the outstanding request in respect of Kebbi as soon as possible. “Subsequently, on Nov. 23, 2022, the Senate considered the committee’s report on the promissory note programme for Taraba and Yobe for projects executed on behalf of the federal government. “The upper chamber then mandated the committee to re-invite Kebbi government to defend its claim before the committee within two weeks,” Ordia said. He said that the committee found out that Kebbi government completed all the projects for which it sought for refund. They findings he said are: “That the roads were constructed in line with the contract specifications and can stand the test of time. “That the projects were executed between 2006 and 2012 and are federal roads. “That series of inspection visits were carried out by the Ministry of Works and Housing on the federal roads completed in the state and it ascertained that the level of work had met required standard. “That the state government had paid all the contractors that executed the projects. “That the promised amount due for reimbursement to Kebbi State Government and reviewed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is N6,706,835,495.12 for the execution of federal roads. “That BPP had attained and classified that due process was followed accordingly.” Meanwhile, the 9th Senate had adjourned until Saturday for valedictory session.

Port Harcourt DisCo’s monthly revenue hits N6.3bn

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) said on Thursday that it generated N6.3 billion in revenue in May as against N4.6 billion in the preceding months. The Head of Corporate Communication, Olubukola Ilevbare who disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt, said that the company’s revenue grew by 71 percent. He said the month’s revenue was the highest collected by the company since it began operation in 2012. “The new milestone in PHED’s performance culminated in the highest revenue collection ever in the company’s history. “The latest milestone in performance was recorded in the month of May 2023 with corresponding revenue of N6.3 billion denotes a 71 percent increase in collection efficiency. “This new revenue collection grew from the 66 percent collection efficiency of the previous month of April 2023,” he said. Ilevbare attributed the growth to the dynamic and focused leadership of PHED’s Managing Director, Dr. Benson Uwheru. “The company’s collection stood at N4.6 billion when the managing director took over the reins of affairs in July 2022. “Other performance variables like revenue per unit, recorded a steep move to N36.29 from N33.76, representing an increase of 2.53 percent. “The Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC & C) losses pegged at 41 percent had a marginal variance of three percent from the set target of 38 percent for 2023,” he added. He said that PHED’s managing director, upon assumption of office, vowed to improve the company’s revenue, reduce ATC & C losses, strengthen corporate governance, reward outstanding performance, and ensure other customer-oriented initiatives. Ilevbare gave the assurance that the company would continue to raise the bar in service delivery by investing huge funds in infrastructural development and other service-related operations. “The company will not relax on her achievements because success is not only measured by revenue but by other indices. “So, while commending our workforce for their creativity, innovation, and willingness to go the extra mile, I urge them to work hard to sustain and surpass the new milestone,” he said. 

BVAS failed to transmit results, INEC ad-hoc staff tell Tribunal

Two subpoenaed witnesses of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have admitted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to transmit the results of the election after collation had been done. The witnesses, Friday Egwuma, and Grace Timothy, respectively said this while testifying on Thursday at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) sitting in Abuja. The subpoenaed witnesses, both ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said that the BVAS machine allocated to them developed a system error immediately results of the Senate and House of Representatives aspect of the polls were freely transmitted. Testifying before the court, the PW11 and PW12 explained that they had to resort to other means of getting the results through when it became clear that the BVAS machines would not help them. Led in evidence by Atiku’s lead counsel Chief Chris Uche SAN, Egwuma, an ex-Corp member, said he was a Presiding Officer in a polling unit in Abia State while Grace Timothy, also an ex-Corp member, performed her duty in Plateau State. Under cross-examination by counsel to INEC, Mr. Abubakar Mahmud SAN, Egwuma explained he resorted to an offline system in place of the BVAS machines. In the same vein, Grace Timothy told the court that the greatest challenge she experienced during the election was the uploading of the presidential election results into the I- rev portal. The witnesses were also cross-examined by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN who stood for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC). Hearing on the matter continues tomorrow, June 9. 

Democracy Day: FG declares Monday, June 12, Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 12, a public holiday in commemoration of the 2023 Democracy Day celebration. This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on Thursday in Abuja. Akinlade, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians on the occasion. She said that Nigeria’s democratic journey had, like in many other climes, encountered both stormy and smooth sails, but the ship of state, its institutions, and most importantly, Nigerians had remained steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance. “On this memorable occasion therefore, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to appreciate the progress that has been made to celebrate the milestones covered and look forward to a better future for the country’s democracy,” she said. Akinlade, therefore, wished all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration.

NAPTIP, ICMPD target 100 victims in Kano

The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has organised a free medical outreach for 100 victims of human trafficking in Kano. The one-day medical outreach, organised in collaboration with International Centre for Migration on Policy Development (ICMPD), was under the framework of “Strengthening Niger-Nigeria Cooperation on Countering Trafficking in Human Beings.” The project was funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, said that the outreach had become necessary in order to address issues of trauma and sexual exploitation on victims of human trafficking (VoTs). Waziri-Azi, represented by the Director, Counselling and Rehabilitation, NAPTIP, Mrs Angela Agbayekhai, said the victims always had medical issues which might not even known. “The programme will enable them get medical attention and drugs so that they can fit properly into the society. “We hope to extend the outreach to some other states,” she said. The director-general commended ICMPD for supporting the project and advised parents and guardians not to allow their children and wards to leave Nigeria to seek for greener pasture. “There is no place like Nigeria; it is not greener out there at all,” Waziri-Azi said. Also speaking, the Head of Region, ICMPD, Dr Mojisola Sodeinde, said that the project was aimed at ensuring that victims of trafficking have access to medical needs while undergoing rehabilitation at the shelter for proper health care services. “Victims of human trafficking (VoTs) are exposed to various health risks and abuses, such as sexually transmitted infection, HIV/AIDS, pelvic inflammatory disease, skin infection, psychosocial health problems, drug abuse and insomnia, among others,’’ the ICMPD chief said. Sodeinde, represented by the Programme Assistant, ICMPD, Mr. Adeniyi Bakre, said that the outreach was also targeted at creating awareness on the ills and dangers of trafficking in persons (TIP) and other transitional-organised crimes. Earlier, the Public Relations Officer, of the Nigeria Medical Association of Women Doctors, Dr Hajara Maizare-Ibrahim, said that to support and advise the victims on their health problems. Maizare-Ibrahim, who is also a member of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kano branch, said “Since health is wealth, we don’t need to be seriously ill before we seek medical advice. “It is good to identify health issues early and seek medical advice.” The victims were given welcome packs, which included bags, perfumes, slippers, towels, soap and cream, among others. Mrs. Hafsat Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the victims, commended NAPTIP and ICMPD for their kind gestures. “I am married and a nurse by profession. I travelled to United Arab Emirates (Dubai) to work as a nurse because I was in need of money to cater for my family. “After arriving Dubai, I was told I had to work as a housemaid, which I rejected and as a result, they refused to give me accommodation. The experience was so traumatic but I thank God that I came back safely.” Muhammad called on the government and kind-hearted individuals to assist women with empowerment to enable them to become self-reliant. 

Nasarawa Assembly approves 20 Special Advisers for Gov Sule

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Abdullahi Sule for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers. The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi said this after an emergency sitting of the House on Thursday in Lafia. Abdullahi said that the approval was to enable Sule to appoint advisers that would assist in implementing his policies and programmes for the people. “His Excellency has sent a request for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers that will assist him in the consolidation of his policies and programmes. “After an extensive deliberation on His Excellency’s request, the request is hereby granted by the Honourable House,” he said. Abdullahi assured of the readiness of the house to partner with the Executive in order to ensure speedy development across the state. Mr. Jacob Kudu (APC- Nasarawa Eggon East) and other lawmakers supported the approval. The lawmakers said that the appointment of the Special Advisers would ensure the speedy development of the state. The Speaker announced that Governor Abdullahi Sule had approved the total renovation of the Assembly Complex. He said that the action was in line with the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the lawmakers and other staff for effective service delivery. He said that the Ministry of Works would soon commence work at the complex. “We are proceeding on recess today, June 8, to resume on July 10, to enable the Ministry of Works to renovate the House, as approved by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule,” he said. Mr Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana), the Majority Leader of the House moved for the House to proceed on recess, while Mr. Musa Ibrahim (NNPP- Doma South), the Minority Leader seconded

Court orders EFCC to enlighten fraudster about demerits of fraud

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Thursday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to educate a man, Ndubisi Success, who is convicted for internet fraud, about the merits and demerits of fraud. Success was docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for creating an Instagram account for the purpose of inducing unsuspecting people to deliver money to him. He pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for leniency. Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa, convicted him and ordered him to report to the Legal Department of EFCC for one week from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Shafa said the convict should be educated under the supervision of the Director of, EFCC legal department on the merits and demerits of internet fraud and its effect on youths. “I have carefully listened to the plea of allocutus made by the convict and the defence counsel. “The rate of fraud in the society is so alarming. Cybercrime is a dangerous offence in our society, which must be tackled” he said. Earlier, the convict had pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy, promising not to indulge in such act again. “I am very sorry, I promise not to engage in such act again. Please have mercy on me,” he said. The Defence Counsel, Mr Chibuike Chima, in support of the allocutus by the convict, told the court that Success, who had no previous conviction record was remorseful. “Success, is a young man who regrets the consequences of his act and has come to realise that there is no excuse for anyone to engage in crime under whatever guise. “The convict is a young university drop out who could not complete his education as a result of paucity of fund. “The convict is a first time offender; he has not been convicted for any other crime of whatever kind in Nigeria or elsewhere. We urge my Lord to tamper justice with mercy. “We assure this court that going forward the convict will be of good behaviour,” he said. The EFCC Counsel, Chidike Obasi-oko, told the court that Success, sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of the Court, made an attempt to commit the offence of cheating. Obasi-oko said that the convict created an Instagram account for the purpose of inducing people to deliver money or any goods to him. He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 95 of the Penal Code Act Law of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 322 of the same Act. He pleaded with the court that the Redmi cell phone being the instrument used for the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government. 

Arrest Prof Ajewole’s killers, ASUU tells Tinubu, IGP

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan (UI) Chapter, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba, to assist the Oyo State Police Command with all logistics needed to unravel and arrest the killers of Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole. This is contained in a release signed by the Chairman, UI Chapter of ASUU, Prof. Ayo Akinwole in Ibadan on Thursday. Ajewole, until he was gruesomely gunned down by yet-to-be-identified assailants in the evening of Monday, 5 June 2023, was a lecturer in the Department of Social and Environmental Forestry Development. The union also implored President Bola Tinubu to take passionate interest and ensure the security system unmasks the faces behind the murder of the professor. “The heart of every ASUU-UI member is bleeding so profusely as if pierced by swords. “Our bones shook so tremendously as if our marrows were naked in the tundra region. “We condemn in totality the gruesome murder of our comrade, Prof. Opeyemi Ajewole and charge the security operatives to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act, with a view to unraveling the motive behind the incident, as well as bringing the perpetrators to book,” UI ASUU Chairman said. According to Akinwole, the only tribute which the death of Ajewole deserves is that his killers are brought to justice and that Nigerians’ lives should matter to the Tinubu presidency He noted that “Prof. Ajewole’s gruesome murder again reminded us of how valueless human lives had become in our clime“. The ASUU chief maintained that “death lurks in all imaginable and unimaginable corners of this country and comes cheaply. “The Nigerian populace is constantly assailed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, assassination, hunger, unemployment, and many more insidious exterminators of our individual and collective dreams. “The situation of the Nigerian academics is even doubly precarious; they are prophets without any honour at home,“ he said. Akinwole said that despite the immense contributions to national growth and development and recognition in the international circle, Nigerian academia is scorned and shabbily treated at home. “It is, therefore, disheartening that academics who cultivate, preserve, and disseminate knowledge for the advancement and development of the society will become victims of societal malady to such an extent as to be targeted for elimination. “The union wishes to use this teary occasion of Prof. Ajewole’s sudden death to call on the Nigerian state to resolutely tackle the problem of insecurity in the country, apprehend the killers of Prof. Ajewole and punish them most appropriately,“ the ASUU boss said.

BUA Cement secures IFC’s $500m facilities

In a bid to boost production and expand its operations, BUA Cement PLC has secured $500 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In a joint statement, IFC and BUA said the funding would enable the company to part-finance and develop two new, energy-efficient cement production lines at its plant in Sokoto State, in northwest Nigeria. The funding includes $160.5 million from the IFC, $245 million in syndicated loans from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and the German Investment Corporation, as well as $94.5 million from institutional investors. “The plants will run partly on alternative fuels derived from waste and solar power. Each will produce about three million tons of cement annually when complete, serving markets in Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso,” IFC and BUA said. In a regulatory filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), BUA stated that it intends to utilize this facility to finance the ongoing expansion of its integrated cement plants in Kalambaina, Sokoto. “We are pleased to inform the NGX, our esteemed shareholders and the investing public, in line with our disclosure obligations pursuant to Chapter 17 of the Rulebook, that BUA Cement has achieved financial close in connection with the Financing to be provided by a syndicate of lending development finance institutions, led by International Finance Corporation (IFC), with participation from African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Deutsche Investitions – undEntwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG). “BUA Cement intends to utilize this facility to finance the ongoing expansion of its integrated cement plants in Kalambaina, Sokoto State, Nigeria. “The expansion will increase the plant’s capacity to 8.0 MTPA and as well as facilitate the development of other ancillary utilities. BUA has a production capacity of 11 million metric tons, and the new investment will add another 6 million metric tons. The new financing package will also allow BUA to replace some of its diesel trucks with vehicles that run partly on natural gas in a push to cut emissions, the statement said.