Former PDP presidential aspirant dumps party
Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, a 2023 presidential aspirant of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has resigned his membership of the party. Ndukwe’s resignation was contained in a letter written by the former deputy speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, to the chairman of his Item C Ward in Bende Local Government Area, and copied to the state chairman of the party, Hon. Asiforo Okere; and the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum. Ndukwe, a former chief of staff to the governor and commissioner for works under ex-Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, cited personal reasons, current commitments and aspirations for his decision to quit the opposition party. He commended the party for giving him the platform to come to political limelight, and wished it success in the state. The letter, which was posted on his Facebook page on Monday morning reads: “I hope this letter finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I compose this correspondence to tender my resignation as a member and stakeholder in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, effective immediately. “My decision to resign as a member within the party stems from personal reasons and reflections on my current commitments and aspirations. “After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that potting out of PDP is the best course of action for me at this time. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that the PDP has afforded me during my tenure as a Councillor, Deputy Chairman Local Government, Chief of Staff to Executive Governor of Abia State, Deputy Speaker Abia 6th House of Assembly and Presidential Aspirant PDP 2023. “Serving within the party has been a privilege, and I have valued the relationships I have built with fellow members, as well as the chance to contribute to the party’s objectives and ideals. “I want to express my appreciation to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and all members of the PDP Abia State for the support and camaraderie extended to me throughout my association with the party. “While I may be stepping away from my formal role, I remain committed to the principles of democracy and the progress of our great state Abia. “Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from all duties and responsibilities associated with my position as a member and stakeholder in the PDP Abia State. “I wish the PDP Abia State continued success in all its endeavors, and I extend my best wishes for the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and experiences.”
Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam
Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said the government of President Bola Tinubu can not change Nigeria’s economic fortunes. Suswam made this statement in an interview on Channels Television. He said the Tinubu administration can not take the country out of the economic woe inflicted by his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari. “Well, it’s rather unfortunate right from the Buhari Government where the mantra of ‘Change’ was the singsong. Unfortunately, people didn’t ask what kind of change he was bringing into governance. Is it positive change or negative change? “What we experienced under those eight years were what dovetailed into what we’re experiencing today because whatever foundation that was built by the PDP was completely destroyed by that (Buhari) government. “We now began a journey to the abyss. The state of the nation, economically, is nothing to talk about, it’s unfortunate that the current (Tinubu) leadership does not have what it takes to change the economic fortunes of this country,” he said. According to him, the removal of petrol subsidy, floating of the naira, and an increase in electricity tariff, among other policies, is evident that the government is out to make things worse for the Nigerian masses.
Missing’ $2.04bn, N164bn oil revenues: SERAP sues NNPC Ltd
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to court over the “failure to account for the alleged missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues. This is following the allegations contained in a recently published 2020, audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation(AGF). According to the report, the NNPC failed to remit the money into the Federation Account, adding that the money may have been diverted. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/549/2024, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPC to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues, as documented in report by the Auditor-General. SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to hand over suspected perpetrators to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution. It also praying for an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion into the Federation Account. As well as an order of mandamus to compel the NNPC to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion into the Federation Account. In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “There is a legitimate public interest in providing the details sought. The NNPC has a legal responsibility to account for and explain the whereabouts of the disappeared money.” “The missing oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy in the country and contributed to high levels of deficit spending by the government.” It posited that, “Without the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services.” “the Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPC. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing oil revenues.” The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: “The alleged missing oil revenues reflect a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. “The NNPCL reportedly failed and/or refused to remit N151,121,999,966. The NNPCL without any justification deducted the money from the oil royalties assessed for 2020 by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). “The NNPCL has failed to account for the missing public funds. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted into the Federation Account. “The NNPCL also failed to remit USD$19,774,488.15 collected as government revenue into the Federation Account. The Auditor-General wants the NNPCL to account for the money, recover and remit it into the Federation Account, and to hand over those suspected to be involved to the ICPC and the EFCC. “The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for USD$2,021,411,877.47 and N13,313,565,786.49 of royalties collected from crude oil and gas sales and gas flare. “The Auditor-General wants the public funds fully recovered and remitted into the Federation Account and for those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds to be handed over to the ICPC and the EFCC. “Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators. “SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” “Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good. “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on the NNPCL to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. “Paragraph 3112(ii) of the he Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handled over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). “Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the NNPCL to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected. Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kogi court summons EFCC chairman over attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello
A Kogi High Court has ordered the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to appear before it on May 13 over alleged contempt of court. According to the court, Olukoyede will need to prove why he should not be committed to prison for allegedly disobeying its order over an attempt to arrest the former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. The presiding judge, Isa Jamil Abdullahi, gave the order on Friday while ruling in the suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and motion No: HCL/190M/2024, brought before him by Bello. Recall that on February 8, Bello instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit, asking the court to declare that “the incessant harassment, threats of arrest and detention, negative press releases, malicious prosecution” of the EFCC — “without any formal invitation — is politically motivated and interference with his right to liberty, freedom of movement, and fair hearing”. The former governor also sought an order “restraining the respondent by themselves, their agents, servants or privies from continuing to harass, threaten to arrest or detain him”. On February 9, the Kogi high court granted an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from “continuing to harass, threaten to arrest, detain, prosecute Bello, his former appointees, and his staff or family members, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights”. On March 12, the EFCC filed an appeal against the interim injunction because the court could not stop the commission from carrying out its statutory responsibility. The Kogi high court delivered judgment on the substantive motion on notice on April 17 wherein the presiding judge granted an order restraining the EFCC “from continuing to harass, threaten to arrest or detain Bello”. However, the judge directed the commission to file a charge against Bello before an appropriate court if it had reasons to do so. The judgment coincided with the recent “siege” laid on the Abuja residence of Bello by EFCC operatives seeking to arrest him. The commission had also obtained a warrant of arrest against the former governor from the federal high court in Abuja. The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion. At the scheduled arraignment on April 18, Bello was absent. At the court session, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the warrant of arrest in the first instance. He referenced the February 9 interim injunction issued by the Kogi high court, adding that the appeal filed by the EFCC was still pending. However, the EFCC has filed a notice to withdraw the appeal. In the notice filed on April 22, the anti-graft agency said the withdrawal was predicated on the fact that events have overtaken the appeal.
Presidency, LP, PDP React To US Report On 2023 General Election
A United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency welcomed the report but emphasized that the party’s electoral successes did not depend on external validation. However, the opposition Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) questioned the basis on which the report concluded that the 2023 polls accurately represented the will of Nigerians, given the evident irregularities. The report, issued by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour within the US Department of State, detailed human rights practices and violations across various nations, including Nigeria. The report also stated that there were reports of campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy and various irregularities during the country’s 2023 elections According to the report, the recent general elections in Nigeria were deemed to reflect the will of the people, despite significant irregularities. The report highlighted allegations that supporters of the APC impeded voting in Igbo-dominated areas during the Lagos gubernatorial election in March 2023. The report partly read, “National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities. “Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation. “During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election. “Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi. “In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin. “According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks.” However, in response to the report, the two primary opposition parties, the PDP and the LP, reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing democracy in Nigeria, notwithstanding its imperfections. National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with Vanguard said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country. “We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.” Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos. “The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos. “To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for the people to judge. Our commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria remains unshakable.” The Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the ruling party, APC, Nze Chidi Duru, stated that the party had moved forward, focusing on advancing Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Oyo-Ita, Allies Diverted Public Funds to Private Companies
Prosecution Witness Eight, (PW8), Hamma Adama Bello in the trial of former Head of Service (HoS), Winifred Oyo-Ita on Thursday, April 25, 2024 narrated before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how the defendant and her subordinates diverted public funds into their private companies. Oyo-Ita, the first defendant is facing criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alongside her special assistants, Ugbong Okon Effiok (seventh defendant), Garba Umar (fourth defendant) and six companies: Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Slopes International Limited, U and U Global Services Ltd, Prince Mega Logistics Ltd and Good Deal Investments on 18-count charges bordering on misappropriation, official corruption, money laundering and criminal diversion of funds to the tune of over N3billion. The witness, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Faruk Abdullahi and H.M. Mohammed told the court that Oyo-Ita used Slopes International Limited and Good Deal Investments Limited-fifth and sixth defendants respectively to fraudulently award government contracts to herself through the fourth defendant, Umar. The first entry transaction of Good Deal Investment Ltd on February 2019 showed that money was paid into its Zenith Bank account to the tune of N42,748, 201.47 ( Forty-two million, Seven Hundred and Forty-eight Thousand, Two Hundred and One Naira, Forty-seven kobo). Umar, the witness said incorporated the company with Oyo-Ita’s full knowledge. “We called for the account statements of these two companies, upon analyzing them, we realized he (Umar) was paid several sums of money from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing where he is an employee. Upon interviewing the fourth defendant, he admitted that he was also a contractor. He also admitted to having paid the first defendant on several occasions from the proceeds of the transaction,” the witness said. On April 27, 2019, the witness disclosed that a transfer of N20, 2027, 142 (Twenty Million, Two Thousand and Twenty-seven, One Hundred and Forty-two Naira) was made in the name of Ibrahim Madu to the Zenith Bank account of Asanaya Projects Ltd. The mandate card of the account bears the signature and photo of the seventh defendant, Effiok. Investigation, according to the witness, also revealed that the seventh defendant incorporated Asanaya Projects Ltd in his name with the knowledge of the first defendant and that approvals were granted and payments made to the seventh defendant either through his personal account or to the account of the company. According to the witness, “The seventh defendant upon interview confirmed he never travelled for most of the funds he received and that the first defendant was aware and benefitted on several occasions from the funds. The account of U and U Global Services Limited was also opened by the seventh defendant. “In summary, from 2015 to 2018, U and U Global Limited received several payments in the form of Duty Tour Allowances and estacodes. Sometimes, payments from the federal government were made directly to the account. For instance, on March 24, 2016, he received N40, 313, 453. 58 (Forty Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Three Naira, Fifty-eight Kobo). This particular payment was from the federal government.” Further in his testimony, the witness stated that “Exhibit O is the Fidelity Bank account of Prince Mega Logistics Ltd. On March 27, 2018 and April 6, 2018, there were four entries, N4, 950, 000 (Four Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira); N3,946,000; (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-six Thousand Naira); N4,676,000 (Four Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-six Thousand Naira) and N1,478,000 (One Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) from Thomson Titus Okure who used to be a colleague of the seventh defendant in the Account Department.
PDP unveils campaign council for Edo 2024 governorship election
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday in Benin unveiled a 200-member campaign Council for the September 21, 2024, Governorship Election in the State. In a statement, the PDP State Organizing Secretary, Tony Anenih (Jnr.), said members of the Campaign Council were versatile members of the PDP who have been carefully chosen to deliver the party’s candidate, Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo. Anenih noted that the campaign structure has an Advisory Council, to be headed by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, a Management Committee and a State Campaign Council, made up of 200 eminent members of the PDP. He said the women wing would be headed by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo while the youth wing would be led by the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor. Anenih explained that the selection process was carried out under the direct supervision of the leaders of the party headed by Obaseki. “I do not have any doubt whatsoever in my mind, that this group of very versatile members of the PDP that have been carefully chosen, will deliver our erudite, intellectually-sound and broad-minded candidate, Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo,” he said. “The advisory council has seven eminent members of the state, with the Governor as Chairman; the Management Committee is made up of the Director General and 13 Deputies for Finance, Contact and Mobilization and Media/ Publicity Field Operations and Security, among others” According to him, the youth and women wings which are very critical wings will be working independently, its relationship with the other Directorates will be symbiotic. He added “On behalf of the party, I congratulate each and every one of you that have been selected, and the party hopes and expects you to hit the ground running.”
Air Peace sets to commence Abuja-London flights
Nigerian airline operator Air Peace will commence its Abuja-London route very soon. This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday. Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, the minister said he has given the approval for Air Peace to add Abuja to its London route. Air Peace recently commenced its Lagos-Gatwick flights, gathering commendation from many Nigerians. Following the commencement of the Lagos-London route, other airlines crashed their prices, a situation that led to the owner of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, alleging an international conspiracy.
Health, welfare of judges topmost priority, FG assures …Justice Orji-Abadua, jurist of unimpeachable character – Justice Dongban-Mensem
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured of the federal government’s commitment to improving the justice system and enhancing the capacity of the judges. The AGF spoke at a valedictory court session held by the Court of Appeal for the late Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua, who died on March 8 as the presiding justice of the Benin division of the court. Fagbemi said: “The federal government will continue to support to support the judiciary and ensure that the health and welfare of the judges remain the priority of this administration.” Fagbemi, who, like every speaker at the event, eulogised the deceased, said her keen and brilliant insight into legal matters, earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues. He added: “It is indeed, safe to say that throughout her professional journey, Honourable Justice Orji-Abadua not only achieved brilliant success, but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals in her exceptional demonstration of the importance of integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice. “Her contributions to the Judiciary, at the different levels of the Nigeria Judicature, indeed stands as a testament to her exceptional legal prowess and unwavering commitment to upholding the Rule of Law.” The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said Justice Orji-Abadua was a jurist of unimpeachable character who had a very simple and humble nature. Justice Dongban-Mensem, who was represented by the Presiding Justice of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, noted that the deceased was in the service of the Judiciary for 27 years, 16 of which were spent at the Court of Appeal. She added that although Justice Orji-Abadua was no longer around, her “contributions to the development of the law will remain and continue to help our jurisprudence to grow.” The chairman of the Body of Benchers (BOB), Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who spoke for the Body of Senior Advocates, Paul Usoro (SAN) equally spoke glowingly about the deceased. Awomolo described the late Justice Orji-Abadua as a fair and thorough jurist who served without blemish. The deceased’s widower, Dr. Benjamin Abadua expressed delight about the beautiful things he said about his late wife. Abadua said his late wife was a forthright personality who was always conscious of the truth and justice.
Senator Ayogu Eze Is Dead
Former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ayogu Eze, is reportedly dead. The former Senate spokesman died in an Abuja Hospital after a protracted illness. A source who spoke to the Daily Post said the late Senator had been down, which prevented him from attending his child’s wedding ceremony earlier in the year, which was held in Lagos State. Ayogu Eze was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, before he defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, where he ran for the Enugu State governorship election.