Why Air Peace, Others Can’t Compete With Big International Airlines – Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said domestic airlines cannot compete with big international airlines because they don’t have access to aircraft on the same terms as them. Keyamo disclosed that the federal government is working with the Aviation Working Group on a practice direction to enable domestic airline operators to dry lease aircraft. In an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Keyamo revealed that some local operators had in the past breached the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing across the world. The minister said the Aviation Working Group, co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing, has said Nigeria would be blacklisted until it implements a law that would guide such from happening. He said: “Why we cannot compete with big international airlines is because we don’t have access to aircraft on the same terms as they have. People don’t know that the best airlines in the world run their fleet 100 per cent based on the actual purchase of aircraft. Recent studies show that 70 per cent of the fleet across the world is on dry leases. “For airlines that have bank facilities, they have access to loans in single digits, but our banks do 26 per cent. It was as a result of this that I called industry people to inform them that in order to survive, they must have access to these aircraft as those around the world. “So, I went around to enquire about what guides aircraft leasing around the world, and I discovered it was the Cape Town Convention, which regulates aircraft leasing across the world. And Nigeria is a signatory to that convention. We have signed and ratified that convention. “And there is a group responsible for the observance and compliance of that convention. The group is co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing. The group is called the Aviation Working Group, headed by Jeffrey Wool. “I called all of them and held a meeting to ask why our local operators are not getting these aircraft. According to them, they have blacklisted Nigeria because it didn’t comply with the convention. “The Aviation Working Group told me that until our laws are amended, until our practice directions are amended from granting injunctions on aircraft on dry lease, they will not bring aircraft in dey lease into Nigeria. “So, I told them I would do that. I spoke with the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the president and vice president, who is the head of the Ease of Doing Business; all of them have agreed that it is a critical issue. “We are in the process of drafting a practice direction to satisfy the Aviation Working Group that once we give a practice direction that says: ‘please, our judges, don’t grant injunctions to detain aircraft that are on dry lease in Nigeria because it gives us a bad image and it is against the Cape Town Convention of the Aviation Working Group’”.
Court remands Emefiele in EFCC custody over $4.5bn, N2.8bn fraud
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Monday, remanded the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Emefiele, who pleaded not guilty to a fresh 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office, is to remain in the custody of the anti-graft agency pending the determination of his bail application on Thursday. Justice Oshodi made the decision after Emefiele and his co-defendant, Herry Omoile, pleaded not guilty to a fresh 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office brought against his by EFCC. However, his co-defendant, Herry Omoike, was reminded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services. The defence lawyer, Abdulakeem Ladi-Lawal, urged the court to admit his client to bail on self-recognition or on the most liberal terms. The lawyer particularly urged the court to impose the same bail conditions earlier granted to the defendant by Justice Hamzat Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja and that he be released to his lawyers pending the perfection of the bail terms. Reacting, counsel to the commission, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application. He, however, urged the judge to impose conditions that would compel the defendants to come to court for their trial.
Alleged money laundering: Binance executive docked, remanded in Kuje prison
Binance Company and one of its executives, Tigran Gambaryan, was, on Monday, arraigned on five count charges bordering on Money Laundering by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). On arraignment, Tigran Gambaryan pleaded not guilty of the alleged offences before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Before the arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite had in a brief ruling dismissed the objection by Gambaryan to taking plea on behalf of Binance on the ground that he was not its representative and had no written authority to do so. The court held that Gambaryan had in an affidavit claimed to be representative of the company and transacted businesses on its behalf in Nigeria. The anti-graft agency through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho said the offences which were committed between January 2023 and December 2023 in Abuja were contrary to and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Count one alleged that the defendants between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja carried out specialised business of other financial institutions without valid licences. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial, Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57(5) of the same Act. Although the foreign national pleaded to be remanded at the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the plea was turned down by Justice Nwite. The judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be taken to Kuje Prison on remand. In the meantime, the matter has been adjourned until April 18 for hearing of the defendant’s application for bail and May 2 for trial of the charges.
Emefiele arrives in Lagos court for arraignment over alleged fraud
The embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Ikeja State High Court in Lagos for his arraignment over alleged abuse of office and allocation of billions of dollars. Emefiele, alongside his co-defendant, one Henry Isioma Omole, will be arraigned on fresh 26 counts before Justice Rahman Oshodi this morning. In the charge marked ID/23787c/2024 and dated April 3, 2024, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele abused his office between 2022 and 2023 in Lagos. The commission alleged that the former CBN governor “directed to be done in abuse of the authority of your office, as the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, an arbitrary act, to wit: allocating foreign exchange in the aggregate sum of $2,136,391,737.33 without bids, which act is prejudicial to the rights of Nigerians.”
El Salvador Launches Innovative Passport Scheme to Attract Global Talent
In a bid to bolster its intellectual capital and foster a diverse community of experts, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has unveiled a pioneering initiative. Under this program, the country will offer 5,000 free passports to highly skilled professionals across various fields including science, engineering, medicine, art, and philosophy. Valued at an impressive $5 billion, this initiative represents a significant investment in attracting global talent to the Central American nation. President Bukele, known for his bold policies and efforts to combat corruption and crime, views this move as a strategic step towards enhancing El Salvador’s societal development and future trajectory. The program promises a welcoming environment for talented individuals and their families, offering incentives such as zero percent taxes and duties on relocation, including assets and commercial items. This initiative aligns with recent reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and underscores El Salvador’s commitment to becoming a hub for talent and innovation.
Blackout Looms As Electricity Workers Threaten Strike Over Tarriff Hike
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has strongly criticized the recent increase in electricity tariffs by the federal government. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the tariff hike on April 3, affecting customers enjoying 20 hours of daily power supply. Under the new classification, customers in Band A will pay N225 per kilowatt-hour, a significant increase from the previous N66 rate. In response, NUEE, led by its National President Adebiyi Adeyeye, has demanded a reversal of the hike, citing its disproportionate impact on those reliant on electricity for daily needs. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of government subsidies for electricity, pointing to examples from advanced countries like Germany and the United States. He argued that the tariff hike disregards the economic struggles of Nigerian workers and threatens to exacerbate inequalities. NUEE warned of potential action, including the withdrawal of its members, if the government fails to address the issue promptly. The union called upon all Nigerians to join in opposing the tariff hike and advocating for the prioritization of citizens’ well-being over corporate interests. “If the government fails to address the crippling cost of electricity, NUEE will not hesitate to take strong action, including the swift withdrawal of our members expected to be used by DISCOs to impose the tariff hike on the good people, to protect the livelihood of our members. “I, however, call upon all Nigerians to join us in raising our voices against this injustice. Together, we can force the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over corporate interests. Our unwavering commitment remains to safeguard the interests of our members and ensure equitable access to electricity for all Nigeria.”
Obasanjo’s farm, 27 feeders downgraded from Band A to E after FG increased electricity tariff
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, has made public the names of erstwhile Band A feeders downgraded to B, C D, or E. The Farm Feeder serving the Obasanjo Farm, owned by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was downgraded from Band A to Band E in the list released by the IBEDC on Saturday, April 6. About 28 feeders under the IBEDC were downgraded in Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, and Osun States. In the list, some areas dropped from 20 hours of daily power supply to zero hours. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has said this brought about the removal of those feeders from Band A to the band that fits their daily power allocation. Announcing the April 2024 supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order on Wednesday, April 3, the Federal Government said it would no longer pay subsidy on electricity consumed by Band A customers, saying others would continue to pay the old rates. Band A customers, who were said to be enjoying electricity for a minimum of 20 hours per day now pay N225 kilowatt per hour. Here is the list of IBEDC Band A downgraded feeders: 1. IBADAN: Bank Road 11kv Feeder – Magazine Road, Oba Adebimpe Road, Oke Bola (Now in Band B with 16 hours supply) 2. OGUN: GTB 11kv Feeder: Only GTBank Training School, Oke Ilewo Abeokuta ( Now in Band B with 19 hours power supply) 3. KWARA: Seminary 11kv Feeder: From High-school Area to Seminary, Randa area, Olomi area, Bowen Area, Takie Junction, Apake area, Star- Light area, Sabo area, Orita Naira Junction and Terminated at Bode-Eniafe Street (Downgraded to Band B with 16 hours power supply) 4. IBADAN: Ami 11KV Feeder: Onireke, Jericho, Railway Quarters (Downgraded to Band C with 12 hours power supply) 5. KWARA: Asa 11KV Feeder: Asa Dam, Ilorin (Downgraded to Band C with 14 hours power supply) 6. OGUN: Homan 11kv Feeder: Daraju, Eagle Packages and NYCIL (Downgraded to Band C with 14 hours power supply) 7. OGUN: Rite Food Quarters 11kv Feeder: Rite Food Quarters (Downgraded to Band C with 12 hours power supply) 8. KWARA: Senior Staff Qtrs F20 11kv Feeder: Senior Camp Road (Downgraded to Band C with 15 hours power supply) 9. KWARA: SF2 New Bussa 11kv Feeder: Ibadan Way, Wawa Garage Road (Downgraded to Band C with 12 hours power supply) 10. IBADAN: State House 11kv Feeder: Ikolaba, Kuye, Road 214, Oniκοκο (Downgraded to Band C with 14 hours power supply) 11. KWARA: Yidi 11kv Feeder: Asa Dam Road, Irewolede Road, High Merit Road (Downgraded to Band C with 14 hours power supply) 12. IBADAN: Dugbe Awolowo 11kv Feeder: Old Bodija, Sango, and Veterinary (Downgraded to Band D with 11 hours power supply) 13. KWARA: Government House 11kv Feeder: Agba Dam Road, Umaru Audi Road, Adelodun Road, Abdulkadir Road, Saad Alamu Street, Offa Road, Flower Garden, Idiagbon Street, Sayomi Street 2nd Avenue Street (Downgraded to Band D with 9 hours power supply) 14. IBADAN: ONIREKE 11KV FEEDER: Link Reservation, Joe Berchort, Oba Akensua (Downgraded to Band D with 10 hours power supply) 15. IBADAN: Oremeji 11kv Feeder: Oba Akinbiyi, Uncle Joe, Letmauk Barracks Road (Downgraded to Band D with 8 hours power supply) 16. IBADAN: Anfani 11KV Feeder: Anfani Road, Ibadan (Downgraded to Band E with 5 hours power supply) 17. KWARA: Basin 11kv Feeder: Umaru Audi Road, Fate Road, Fate Tanke Road, Gra Ilorin, Gss Ilorin, Mubo Strrt, Agric Estate, Sango Road, Alhaji Tunde Mohammed Road, Panat, Station Road, Catchment Road (Downgraded to Band E with 7 hours power supply) 18. Oyo: Crown 11KV Feeder: Premier Rd, Oshuntokun, Adeyi, Awolowo Road (Downgraded to Band E with 1-hour power supply) 19. OGUN: Farm 11KV Feeder: Main Obasanjo Farm (Downgraded to Band E with 7-hour power supply) 20. OSUN: Gbongan Road 11kv Feeder: Gbongan-Ibadan Road (Downgraded to Band E with 0-hour power supply)
Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Departs Abuja For Lagos
President Bola Tinubu will be leaving Abuja on Sunday for Lagos where he will celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration. This was contained on Saturday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. “President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the Nation’s Capital, for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr. “In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family. “The President will continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays,” the statement reads.
Pastor Adeboye Sends Warning To Critics
The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has responded to his critics, stressing that he does not mind being mocked. The cleric stated this during his sermon and anointing service at the monthly Holy Ghost service at the RCCG headquarters in Mowe, Ogun State. Pastor Adeboye also reminded his critics that the word of God made it clear that anyone God would use must be foolish and a nobody so that nobody would “get the glory.” Recall that Adeboye had been drawing criticism from several celebrities and on-air personalities over some of his declarations and comments. The RCCG leader said, “If Paul, who wrote more than half of the New Testament, claimed to be less than the least of the saint, according to Ephesians 3:8, Pastor Adeboye is nothing. “However, his God is everything. Listen to me carefully, Adeboye is one stupid boy and I would prove it to you before I close, But his God is wiser than the wisest. “Adeboye is weak, he eats pounded yam and goes to the toilet. But his God is stronger than the strongest. Adeboye is nothing but his God is the All-sufficient God. “So there is nothing spectacular. There is no big deal if you mock Pastor Adeboye. He deserves to be mocked. “The word of God made it abundantly clear. Anyone that God will use must be weak, foolish, and a nobody, so that only God will take the glory. So you can mock Adeboye, but you must not mock his God. “Why? Because Adeboye is nothing, there is nothing he can do to you. But his God is a consuming fire.”
Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters
In Kaduna State’s capital, Kaduna, tensions flared as police clashed with Shiite protesters, leading to a state of pandemonium and unrest. The confrontation unfolded as members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) gathered for a procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. Despite the Federal Government’s ban on the group’s activities, the protesters persisted, prompting a response from law enforcement. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in a frantic scramble among residents and shop owners to seek safety. According to Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, the IMN members allegedly brandished dangerous weapons and attacked both civilians and police officers. Several individuals sustained injuries in the skirmish. The police have since made arrests of suspects allegedly in possession of weapons and have vowed to prosecute them following investigations.