Following the suspension and continued interrogation of the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for alleged corruption, several names have been touted to replace him, as the head of the anti-graft agency.
Here’s a lowdown of some of the possible replacements as the EFCC seeks to continue its fight against corruption.
Mohammed Umar Abba (Director of Operations, EFCC)
Mohammed Umar Abba who serves as the current Director of Operations has been touted to lead the anti-graft agency in the interim.
Mohammed Abba hails from Kano State, and is one of the most senior officers in the EFCC.
Bala Ciroma (Commissioner of Police, FCT)
Bala Ciroma, who hails from Yobe State, joined the Nigerian Police Force on March 3, 1990 as a Superintendent of Police.
A graduate of Geography from the University of Maiduguri, he served as Director of Operations of EFCC, from 2004 to 2008. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations, FCT Command from 2012-2013.
He has also held command posts in Kano, and Plateau states.
Ahmad Abdulrahman (Commissioner of Police, Enugu Command)
Ahmad Abdulrahman has been in charge of the Enugu Police Command since 2019.
He is a graduate of Political Science and Administration from the University of Sokoto.
He also holds a double Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Conflict, Preace and Strategic Studies from Kaduna State University in addition to a post-graduate certificate in Corruption Studies from the University of Hong Kong.
Until his posting to Enugu, CP Abdurrahman was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence at the FCID, Abuja.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/potential-candidates-for-efcc-chairmanship/
Quizzed on alleged looted assets’ disposal
The presidential panel investigating graft allegations against embattled acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has given him two days to consult his lawyers.
The panel reportedly granted Magu the opportunity “when his responses to the allegations were incoherent,” a security source told Daily Sun yesterday.
For the third day in a row, Magu faced the panel sitting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to account for his stewardship at the EFCC since November 2015. Among other allegations, the probe panel asked the EFCC boss to account for the specific number of properties recovered by the commission under his watch and what happened to them, the locations of the recovered property, how they were sold, whether the sale process(es) followed due process and the present state of those still in the commission’s custody.
Said the source: “From some of his submissions before the committee, he could not account for the exact figure of the assets in EFCC custody and what has even become of them. Even for the ones sold, he was incoherent when confronted with details of their disposal.”
The panel, it was further gathered, asked Magu if the bidding process(es) for the sold assets were advertised in national newspapers, as required by law, the short-listing process(es) and whether other government agencies were involved in the sale process(es) and also, whether the Presidency, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, was notified and involved in the disposal of looted assets, and “he was not coherent in his reply to these allegations.”
This reportedly prompted the probe panel to give him “two days to meet with and present his defence lawyers from Lagos,” according to report monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The committee chaired by Justice Ayo Salami (retd), decided to give Magu the opportunity of “legal counsel,” as the “allegations against him are weighty.”
A Presidency source had on Tuesday told State House correspondents that Magu was suspended from office following the ongoing investigation by the presidential panel.
Since Monday night when he was invited to appear before the panel, Magu has been spending the night at the FCID.
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/magu-gets-2-days-to-prepare-legal-defence/
N168 Billion Fraud: Hushpuppi hires top Chicago lawyer
Ramon Abbas, the Dubai-based Nigerian arrested last month for alleged Internet fraud, has secured the service of a top criminal defence attorney in Chicago.
Court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES showed Mr Abbas on Monday retained Gal Pissetzky, a senior partner at Chicago law firm Pissetzky & Berliner, to help extricate him from multi-million dollar fraud charges levelled against him by American authorities.
Mr Abbas, an Instagram sensation widely known as Hushpuppi, was arrested alongside dozens of his alleged co-conspirators following an overnight raid of his apartments in Dubai on June 10. Emirati police and prosecutors said about N16 billion was found in cash out of an estimated N168 billion online scams linked to the syndicate.
Following initial tussle over his custody between Nigeria and the United States, Mr Abbas was ultimately handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) on July 2. He arrived in the U.S. on July 3 and made an initial court appearance in Chicago.
Although American prosecutors said Mr Abbas would still be transferred to Los Angeles “in the coming weeks”, he has decided to hire a top lawyer in Chicago to guide him through the process of transfer to Los Angeles.
Mr Pissetzky made the first appearance on behalf of Mr Abbas at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on July 6, documents showed.
Mr Pissetzky was called to the bar in 2002 and has practiced in Chicago since 2002. His firm’s website said he has been retained in high-profile cases and also widely recognised by major American media outlets as a legal consultant on serious criminal matters.
Already, court hearings have commenced for Mr Abbas to be removed from Chicago to Los Angeles where he was indicted on June 25 and a warrant issued for his arrest.
NOTIFICATION OF DOCKET ENTRY
Mr Abbas has successfully argued for an adjournment of his removal hearing from July 7 to July 13, according to court documents.
The removal process appeared to have made it difficult for Mr Abbas to enter a plea, several days after he arrived on American soil. His plea may not be taken and he may not be entitled to bail until his matter is transferred to Los Angeles for proper prosecution.
Mr Pissetzky would likely counsel Mr Abbas through the removal process in Chicago, but it was unclear whether or not he would follow the suspect to Los Angeles. The attorney was not available for comments when PREMIUM TIMES reached his office on Tuesday.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/401738-n168-billion-fraud-hushpuppi-hires-top-chicago-lawyer.html
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The Special Assistant on Students Matter to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Comrade Sheriff Emeka Eboh Zadok, is dead.
Campus Gist reports that Comrade Zadok died after a brief illness on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
He died at the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, in Anambra state.
He was appointed Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Students' Matters in the year 2017.
Zadok was a known student leader and a frontline member of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Campus Gist recalls that Zadok, in 2016, vied for the National President position of NANS but lost to the immediate past president, Aruna Kadiri.
Zadok was a participatory member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Association of South-East Youth Community Leaders (ASEYC) and Nigeria's Representative at the West African Student's Union (WASU).
He is survived by his immediate family and lovely wife. Comrade Zadok is from Abia State and was President, Umuobasi Youth Association.
In a statement made available to Campus Gist by the Anambra Stakeholders Forum and NANS Zone 'B' stakeholders, they resolved to give the late students' leader a befitting burial.
They also ordered that a condolence register be opened at his immediate constituency, NANS Zone 'B' Transport Welfare Office at UNIZIK bus stand temporary site Awka, Anambra State from the 10th to 21st of July, 2020.
The statement announced the formation of a Central Planning Committee and subcommittees to handle all preparations for his burial. The committee has Comrade Chika Nzelu as Chairman and Comrade Chuks Obele as Secretary.
A tentative burial date of July 22 was announced, while the central planning committee is to liaise with the immediate family of the deceased and also carry the family along in every planning/preparation of his funeral rites.
No official statement yet from the Anambra state government, condoling with the bereaved family, as at the time of filing this report.
https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/09/special-adviser-on-students-matter-to-anambra-governor-sheriff-dies/
A commercial motorcyclist, simply identified as Joseph, was killed Tuesday when a suspected internet fraudster rammed into him in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State leaving the passenger with serious injuries.
The female passenger on the commercial motorcycle, who sustained a serious injury, was rushed to an unidentified hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspected internet fraudster who was chased by unknown persons from Oleh road to Ogorode road in a Mercedez Benz car, crashed his car during the chase.
In a bid to escape from his assailants, the suspected internet fraudster reportedly veered off his lane leading to a collision with the commercial motorcyclist.
Sensing danger, the suspected internet fraudster quickly escaped from the scene of the incident.
It took the swift intervention of the Police to rescue the female passenger, who was rushed to the hospital.
The police towed the Mercedez Benz car to the station to avert breakdown of law and order in the area.
Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Hafiz Inuwa, confirmed the incident, saying “Yes, I can confirm that a case of fatal accident occurred in which the cyclist died while the woman passenger sustained serious injuries.
The driver of the Mercedes Benz fled, while the vehicle was recovered and towed to the station.”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/internet-fraudster-kills-commercial-motorcyclist-injures-passenger-in-delta/
Banks have advised customers to remove their face masks when carrying out transactions through Automated Teller Machines to ensure that their faces are properly recognised.
Findings revealed that some banks have installed face detection features in their ATMs which can prevent an ATM from dispensing cash if it is unable to recognise the face of the user.
While the banks have introduced the wearing of face masks as a condition to enter the banking halls, they have also advised customers to remove it when they want to withdraw money from ATMs.
In an email to its customers on measures to keep transactions protected, Fidelity Bank said, “Wearing of face masks is a safety and precautionary measure we must all adhere to in this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, we advise that you remove your face mask while making withdrawals or carrying out ATM transactions to allow our ATM properly recognise you.
“Fidelity Bank ATM machines have face detection features installed to curb incidences of fraudulent ATM withdrawals.
“Consequently, you may not be able to carry out any transaction if our ATMs are not able to properly recognise you. We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause you.”
As lockdown continues to ease gradually, banks have continued to expand their operations.
In an email to its customers, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc listed its branches that would be accessible to customers.
It said, “When visiting any of our branches, kindly protect yourself by wearing a face mask at all times. It is also very important that you keep a safe distance when in a queue inside or outside the branch.
“Before visiting any of our branches, please remember that you can withdraw up to N150,000 at all our ATMs and that you can do most of your banking from the safety of your home.”
GTBank said the customers could bank through its e-payment platforms.
Source: https://punchng.com/face-mask-can-cause-failed-atm-transactions-banks/
Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos
Monday Ubani, a former Second Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday said Ibrahim Magu, suspended Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) waged a selective anti-corruption war during his five year reign.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Ubani said it is surprising that Magu chose to look the other way when petitions were written to the commission on the bullion vans sighted in the residence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the eve of the 2019 presidential election.
He also said Magu never investigated the allegations against Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former National chairman of APC despite petitions written against them.
"It all confirms the fight that Magu's fight against corruption is selective. Aside the petition on the bullion vans written about Tinubu, what about Ganduje? What about Adams Oshiomhole, the former National chairman of APC?"
" These are people that from all available facts and evidences, petitions were written against and submitted to the EFCC. Was there any investigation carried out by Magu? Definitely, his anti-corruption war is selective".
"Most times, it is also based on the issue of appointment of the EFCC chairperson. The President makes the appointment and it is confirmed by the Senate".
"When you have that kind of situation and you expect the EFCC chairman to probe his men, it will be very difficult for such an Individual except you are God. They will mess you up".
https://www.independent.ng/magu-should-have-investigated-tinubu-ganduje-oshiomhole-ubani/
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday restated his administration's commitment to the continued provision of adequate security of lives and properties of Lagosians, saying it remains a major priority of his government.
The Governor stated this at the State House, Marina when he received 16 security operations vehicles donated to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls in the State.'
Speaking during the handing over of the security operations vehicles to LSSTF, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured SNEPCo that the vehicles would be put to good use.
He said the presentation of the 16 vehicles was in fulfilment of the promise SNEPCo made to Lagos State Security Trust Fund during a dinner held a few months ago by Lagos State Government to seek support from the private sector.
He said: “We are excited because this is another confirmation of collaboration, another promise kept and another public-private partnership that is working for us in Lagos State.
“A couple of months back, even way before COVID-19, we had met at a dinner where we asked and solicited for support from our private sector operators in Lagos and SNEPCo was present at that dinner and they humbly committed to providing something for the state.
“So this was a commitment that was made to us months back but we are indeed happy that despite the very difficult terrain all of us have gone through, they have been able to make it, together with their joint partners - NNPC, Exxon Mobil and other partners.
“They are doing this because we as a government have shown consistent transparency in how we deal with them. We have shown that each time they support us, the support gets to the people and we get to use it for what the support is meant for.
Sanwo-Olu further assured the oil conglomerates that the State Government will continue to see them as development partners in the project of Lagos.
“We have different roles to play but we will continue to collaborate.
“We can assure you that the men that continue to keep us save will get these vehicles. We will determine how they go round. But you can be assured that none of them will be kept in governor’s residence. It will go to the people that truly require them and they will be used for the reason for which they were given.” Sanwo-Olu said.
Speaking on behalf of NNPC, the Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, said the presentation of the operations vehicles is to support the unrelenting effort of Governor Sanwo-Olu in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe.
Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Clementina Arubi, also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for their commitment in the fight against COVID-19 in Lagos State, the epicentre of coronavirus in Nigeria.
“Today in line with our GMD’s principles of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE), which are to be delivered in a safe and secure environment, leveraging technology and innovation, we are very proud to handover 16 security operations vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to support the unrelenting effort of the Governor in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe,” she said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mr Bayo Ojulari, said the presentation of the 16 security vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls, which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.
His words: “SNEPCo and indeed Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) recognise the tremendous work the Lagos State government is doing to strengthen security in the state amidst limited resources. Our keen and constant evaluation of the state of our community always helps to identify gaps where we believe we can intervene to make a difference.
“In this instance, we recognise the need to support the government's efforts in keeping the state safe, just as we have continued to support the state in two other areas- education and health. This, to a large extent, aligns with our priority of safety, health and development of our people and communities where we operate.
“Therefore, the 16 units of security vehicles being presented to the state's security trust fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.
Ojulari added that his company will continue to work with the state to seek other areas of collaboration and partnership.
Also speaking, the representative of one of the co-venture partners, Exxon Mobil, the Senior Manager, Security External Relations of Exxon Mobil, Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue to do the good work he is doing to ensure that the people of Lagos State are secured and safe.
Other members of the executive at the event include the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folasade Jaji and the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Abdulrazaq Balogun, among others.
SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/sanwo-olu-security-remains-our-priority-as-nnpc-snepco-donate-16-vehicles-to-lsstf/
See the war of words between a Twitter user and the verified handle of ‘The Church of Satan’.
It all started when The Church of Satan denied having connections with the occult church busted by Nigerian Security operatives at Abia recently.
I can only see a clown between the two.
What do you guys think?
I come against you by the power in the mighty name of Jesus. You are hereby rendered powerless and useless and God's judgement be upon you and your evil followers who has took over the affairs of this world. You all shall be exposed and be disgraced in the name of Jesus.
I set your Kingdom on fire by the power in the name of Jesus Christ. U are hereby rendered powerless & useless. The light of God will shine over the affairs of this world & darkness will disappear & have no place here & you & your followers will be disgraced in Jesus name. Amen!
https://mobile.twitter.com/iam_echarlz/status/1280849961857552385
Didn’t work.
All these people trying to flex the “power of the mighty name of Jesus” need to get their money back. Clearly a defective product.
https://mobile.twitter.com/ChurchofSatan/status/1280852294351720448
Nominations for the Office of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has officially closed. As at close of nomination on July 8 2020, eight nominees from different countries had indicated interests.
The outgoing DG, Azevedo, will be stepping down on August 31, 2020.
Nominees are expected to answer questions from the General Council (involving all its member states) and the Press between 15-17 July, 2020. Several rounds of consultations will follow until a consensus is announced. The DG's role is expected to be primarily advisory, managerial and renewable after 4 years
Generally, the appointment of the WTO DG is by consensus of the General Council.
Seade Kuri Jesús (Mexico)
Jesús Kuri possesses unique experience in global trade negotiations and management of international financial crises.
According to his CV, Kuri is the founding Deputy Director-General of the WTO. He was also a Senior Advisor at the IMF and Principal Economist at the World Bank.
Kuri was a Chief Negotiator for Mexico in the creation of the WTO and is currently the Under Secretary-General (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at USMCA, Mexico. He is fluent in the 3 Official languages of the WTO (English, French and Spanish).
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_mex_e.pdf
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria)
NOI (as she is fondly called) is a global financial expert, economist and international development professional spanning, three decades of experience. She was twice appointed Nigeria's Finance Minister and briefly, Foreign Affairs Minister. The first woman to occupy both positions.
She rose through the ranks of the World Bank, having served for almost 25 years to the position of No 2, Managing Director, Operations.
She is Chair to a lot of boards....
Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Chair, Board of AU African risk capacity
Member, South Africa Economic Recovery Team
Member, Boards of Standard Chartered Bank Plc and Twitter Inc.
Co-Chair, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate
Angelopolous Global Public Leader at Havard Kennedy School, etc.
She is a recipient of many awards at both the National and Global Stage.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_nga_e.pdf
Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh (Egypt)
Abdel-Hamid believes unequivocally in the Multilateral Trading System and its rule-based foundation. He is a Senior WTO official growing through the ranks to the position of Director of the Trade in Services and Investment Division of WTO.
He has solid internal WTO management and leadership experience spanning almost 35 years, as well as extensive legal expertise in public international /trade law and negotiations.
He is currently a Senior Counsel, King & Sparding LLP
He is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_egy_e.pdf
Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova)
Ulianovschi is a diplomat and politician with vast experience in international, political and economic reforms, including trade policy matters.
He has accumulated almost 15 years of experience as a Deputy Foreign Affairs and later Foreign Affairs Minister for the Republic of Moldova, Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Permanent Representative to the UN and WTO. He has chaired quite a number of steering Committees and is a member of the International Gender Champions.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_mda_e.pdf
Ms Yoo Myung-Hee (Korea)
Myung-Hee is an innovator, negotiator and strategist who believes in the importance of the multi-lateral system and constant renewal derives.
She has ample experience over 25years as Korea's FTA strategist and currently negotiator for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, US (KORUS) FTA re-negotiations.
Myung-Hee is currently Korea's first female Minister for Trade.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_kor_e.pdf
Amina Mohammed (Kenya)
She is an ambassador, diplomat and politician. Amina has been previously chairperson of all the highest decision-making bodies of the WTO.
She has chaired the Ministerial Conference (highest decision body of the WTO), General Council, Trade Policy Review and the Dispute Settlement body.
She is the first African to chair the Ministerial Conference of the WTO and first woman to chair the General Council and the Dispute Settlement body of the WTO respectively.
She also held several portfolios such as:
Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme, Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the WTO.
She is currently the Kenyan Minister for Sports, Culture and Heritage.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_ken_e.pdf
Mohammed Maziad Al-Tuwaijiri (Saudi Arabia)
He leads the development agenda of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and boasts robust interaction with international organizations and multilateral agencies
He has a long career in banking with the Saudi British Bank, J.P. Morgan and HSBC, eventually becoming the Group Managing Director, Deputy Chairman and CEO for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. A Strong advocate of Saudi Vision 2030, worked tirelessly to bring it to life through the support of the Ministry of Economy, as well through the position occupied as a Board member of key organizations, institutions and Companies in Saudi Arabia.
He is the immediate past Minister of Economy and Planning and currently an advisor to the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_sau_e.pdf
Liam Fox (The UK)
He is a British politician who has been a staunch advocate for free trading and a defender of the rules based global trading system of the WTO. He has served in a number of positions as Former UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Minister Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Defence Secretary, et al
He is currently in the UK Parliament, President Board of Trade and a Privy Counsellor.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/b
The reported discharge of 2.6 billion barrel of toxic waste over 48 years by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) into communities in Bayelsa State has had the people of Brass Kingdom and Ologbobiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area living in a state of panic.
There are worries about air, water and soil contaminations due to oil spills and discharge of toxic waste, which have given rise to concerns that if residents start suffering the health effects, they might be mistaken for COVID-19 symptoms.
Already, there are reports of children and the elderly being struck by unusual ailments that locals suspect might have links to the pollution while fishing and farming, the economic mainstay of the communities, have suffered. Recently, dead fishes have turned up in huge numbers in some riverine communities in the state, especially in the Southern Ijaw and Brass areas and in other Niger Delta states.
The fishermen have blamed the oil spills and gas flaring for this. Concerned by these developments, elders and youths of Brass Kingdom wrote to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) over alleged delays in the remediation and compensation for the over 2.6 billion barrels of toxic waste dumped into the Brass Canal due to the company’s operations.
According to the elders, Agip’s management has made several promises to the state government and the host communities in Brass to address the concerns but the Italian company has continued to discharge over 150, 000 barrels of toxic waste annually into the Brass Canal. This, they say, has contaminated the soil, groundwater and the air quality in these areas thereby degrading the health and livelihood of the people.
Recently, legal counsels of the Kingdom, Iniruo Wills and Dickson Omukoro of Ntephe, Smith and Wills Law Chambers, wrote a letter reminding the company of the urgent need for proper remediation of the ecological damage caused by 48 years of toxic waste discharge at the company’s Brass terminal. In the letter addressed to the company’s Managing Director, the community said it needs adequate compensation based on impartial impact assessment and a restoration and pollution prevention plan as per best practices.
The kingdom also drew the attention of NAOC’s management to the current long-drawn-out process of finding a lasting resolution to the pollution from the Brass Canal/oil terminal, which has triggered lots of petitions and subsequent exchanges and engagement between Agip, the office of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and other regulatory agencies.
In the letter, the kingdom insisted that they are putting the company on notice, “to stop desperate attempts by their officers to compromise or induce key interests aimed at evading regulatory compliance, frustrating the ministerial directive for an independent comprehensive impact assessment and to corruptly waive NAOC’s environmental obligations to the people of Brass Kingdom.”
Also blighted by the contamination, the people of Okpoama Kingdom in the same local government area, have sent a save our soul message to the Federal Government They said that an oil spill occurred two weeks ago on the 24-inch Ogoda-Brass crude oil trunk line operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
The Chairman of the Okpoama Kingdom Oil and Gas Committee, Percy Jerry Wemi-Kwomain, said that the incident happened at the Amangaetima Bush near Ewoama-Brass.
“The oil spill has discharged enormous amounts of crude oil into the adjourning creeks and rivulets, thereby affecting the environment and the livelihood of the people of the area,” he said.
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/if-covid-19-meets-oil-pollution-we-are-finished.html
The Federal Executive Council, on Wednesday, approved contracts worth the sum of N109.187bn for roads and hostel renovation in four states. The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, told State House reporters, that his ministry presented two memoranda to the council.
He said: “The first one was to aid the completion of the Enugu – Lokponta section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt highway, it was augmentation of existing contract by N25bn, the council approved that augmentation. “The second memorandum was the award of three different roads.
“The first is Dikwa-Marte-Mungunu road for N60. 273bn and the Numan road linking Borno and Adamawa for N15.527bn and the third is for Gombi-Biu linking Adamawa and Borno also for N7.643bn.” The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said the FEC approved an agreement between the Kaduna Polytechnic and an investor to renovate 18 blocks of student hostels.
The contract, which is a 15-year concession at the cost of N744,264m, is under a Renovate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer arrangement. Adamu said: “There are 18 blocks of hostels and each room in a block will house four students. “The total number of students to be housed will be 4,032.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said Nigeria was trying to change its foreign policy direction to “reflect the reality of today and the reality of national interest”. He said the ministry had helped Nigerians to secure top positions at regional and continental organisations.
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fec-approves-n109-187bn-for-road-hostel-contracts.html
The federal government has commenced preparation of its 2021 budget, as the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has received anticipated personnel costs for next year, from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. This followed the Personnel Cost Budget Call Circular issued in April by the Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, which gave all MDAs a June deadline within which to submit their personnel budgets to the ministry.
The circular was addressed to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President; Minister/Ministers of State; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Head of Service of the Federation; Chairmen of Commissions; Permanent Secretaries; Chiefs of Staff/Inspector General of Police; Auditor-General of the Federation; Accountant-General of the Federation; Heads of Extra- Ministerial Departments/Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of parastatals and agencies.
The minister said the circular was issued to provide special instructions and guidance to ministers, heads of extra-ministerial departments and ministries accounting officers charged with the responsibility of preparation and submission of personnel budgets of their respective MDAs.
The circular stated: “It is important to commence the process of preparing the 2021 Personnel Cost Budget, she said, adding that it was, “to enable a diligent exercise which will ensure adequate budgetary provisions for MDAs personnel costs, as well as, submission of the 2021 Budget Proposal to the National Assembly by September 2020.”
Ahmed warned, however, that no personnel cost would be made for any FG staff not captured in the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in 2021 and that any unauthorized payment from personnel cost would attract sanctions.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/fg-kick-starts-2021-budgetary-process/
Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) United States Chapter have passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari and his Service Chiefs for their handling of the insecurity situation in the county.
According to the group, the Nigerian military has effectively managed the security breaches confronting the nation, thwarting the intent of detractors.
In a statement signed by its President, Cosmos Collins, on Wednesday, NDMG said it drew this conclusion after extensively reviewing the prevailing security situation in the country.
According to the group, the recent charge by President Buhari has spurred the military heads to perform even better than they had done since the inception of his administration. .
Hence, NDMG faulted those jumping into conclusion without proper analysis of the security situation in the country, adding that the call for the Service Chiefs’ dismissal is merely a propaganda.
While warning against seeking strange foreign solutions, the group, however, recommended that Nigerians channel energy into leadership, stability and proper financing for the military.
The statement reads:
The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United States Chapter, has extensively reviewed the prevailing security situation in Nigeria and has come to the conclusion to pass a vote of confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari and Military Service Chiefs for the manner in which they are handling the insecurity challenge in the country.
We particularly commend President Buhari for the recent push that he gave the security chiefs because we see this as his way of jolting them to perform even better than they had done since the inception of his administration. A leader can only pressure his lieutenants with such intensity when he is confident in their ability to deliver.
[b]In our view, these military leaders remain the best in the sub-region as they have been able to largely contain an internationally-backed terrorists’ insurgency. Inspite of the near absence of advanced technological equipment like drones to fight t, the military has been able to do so much under President Buhari and the Service Chiefs.
What we discovered in the course of reviewing the situation is that Mr President and the Service Chiefs are constantly evaluated by organizations and individuals who do not factor in all the fundamentals driving insecurity in Nigeria.
For instance, there is a penchant to disregard the ignoble roles being played by countries whose activities directly or indirectly support Boko Haram to wage its war against Nigeria.
There is also the failure to acknowledge the international failure in leadership that should have been provided by the United Nations, which as a global body should have taken steps to cut off international support for Boko Haram by censuring countries and organizations that are sponsoring the terrorists. The expectation is that the United Nations would have by now midwife an international coalition to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram that have scattered into the territories of Nigeria’s neighbours as they flee the effective military operation launched against them.
We are equally mindful that the rank of terrorists was swelled up recently by the influx of fighters from other parts of the world into the Lake Chad Basin.
This large-scale migration of terrorists to the region has been responsible for the criminal elements that attempt some daring attacks after it became obvious that the long stay of Gen TY Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff in the theatre of operation resulted in the killing of over 1, 700 terrorists in less than two months.
A natural consequence of this development is the resort to pro-Boko Haram propaganda that manifest as frantic demands for President Buhari to fire the very security chiefs that have consistently helped Nigeria to ward off the terrorist activities of the group. Our expert advised that the intent of this campaign is in three folds. The first is to boost Boko Haram morale, the second is to demoralize government troops and to incite the populace against the military leadership and government.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, United States Chapter, therefore, urge Nigerians must remain confident in their military leaders, men and women who have shown uncommon zeal and dexterity in handling the insecurity situation in the country. With the benefit of information at our disposal, we came to the logical conclusion to pass a vote of confidence on President Buhari and the military leaders because they have effectively managed the security breaches in the country and thwarting the intent of Nigeria’s detractors.
We warn those seeking strange foreign solutions to be reminded that many countries having the same problems have not achieved a tenth of what President Buhari and these Service Chiefs have achieved. We rather recommend that Nigerians think about leadership
and stability and proper financing for the military to enable the armed forces to consolidate on the gains made so far.
https://leadership.ng/2020/07/09/insurgency-nigerians-in-diaspora-pass-vote-of-confidence-on-pmb-service-chiefs/
A Tanker fell overnight and our Emergency Agencies poured the foam material to prevent combustion.. Nothing to be scared of .. @safety_lasg & LASEMA are on ground.
https://twitter.com/gboyegaakosile/status/1280887580993687555?s=19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YFHMBHvwUI
Police Arrest Nasarawa APC Chairman For Raping Two Girls
The police have arrested the All Progressive Congress ward chairman in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Christopher Ogah, for allegedly defiling two girls in his house in Obi town.
Alhaji Mohammad Oyimoga Oyigye, Chairman of the Local Government Area, said he saved Ogah from being lynched by angry youth, who caught him and immediately handed him over to the police.
A witness said the APC chairman lured the girls when they entered his house to fetch water, adding that it was not his first time of committing such crime.
He said the two girls were 12 and 13-respectively.
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, said he had directed that the case be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for a discreet investigation after which the suspect will be charged to court.
“The police under my watch want to warn would-be rapist to have a rethink or face the wrath of the law.
”I am assuring the public of the police command’s commitment to arrest and prosecute anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed,” he said.
http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/08/police-arrest-nasarawa-apc-chairman-raping-two-girls
20-year-old lady identified as Abdulrahman Safau Omowumi has been reported raped and matcheted to death at Gerewu area of Ilorin metropolis.
The deceased was, until her death a student of Bathelomew College of Health Technology, Shao in Moro local government area of Kwara State.
The deceased, until her death was doing her internship at Abebi Hospital Gerewu, and temporarily lived with her uncle at Gerewu due to proximity to her place of attachment.
She left home on Saturday 27th of June around 4pm and she did not return home till Sunday morning. The family reported to the police.
The police later found her corpse beside a river at Oko-oba in Gerewu village on Sunday morning, with matchet cuts on her head and she was suspected to have been raped.
Her corpse was deposited at the Ilorin General Hospital morgue
Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2020/07/20-year-old-girl-raped-macheted-to.html?m=1
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has reacted to reports that former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, gave him N4billion.
Reports had claimed that Osinbajo also allegedly gave instructions to Magu to release some of the recovered loots.
But reacting, a statement issued by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, on Wednesday, described the report as fake news.
He explained that Osinbajo has never been involved in such shady activities.
He said, “Inundated by wide circulation of Fake News about VP’s purported involvement in some EFCC recovery billions, please rest assured they’re all LIES: calculated to confuse and concocted to smear Prof. Osinbajo’s image.
“The VP hasn’t and will never be involved in any such shady activities.”
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS STATEMENT
VP OSINBAJO WILL NOT BE DISTRACTED BY CAMPAIGNS OF LIES & CALUMNY
The attention of the Office of the Vice President has been drawn to a series of tweets and online publications by PointBlank News and Newsreel.com.ng today 8th July 2020, credited to the same person, one Jackson Ude.
In essence, Ude’s story is that “embattled former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, allegedly embezzled over N39 billion and gave Vice President Yemi Osinabjo (sic) N4 billion, after the VP gave instructions to him to release some of the recovered loots…” The same Jackson Ude has also been circulating a video on YouTube with a female commentator, peddling the same lies.
With all emphasis at our disposal, let it be firmly stated that these are totally false and baseless fabrications purporting to reflect goings-on at the Probe Panel investigating Mr. Ibrahim Magu. They are indeed completely absurd in every respect.
Sadly, such mindless, vicious and reckless publications have now become the preferred tool of unscrupulous and reprobate elements in our society who are procured with monetary inducement to peddle blatant falsehood, tarnish the image of upright public officials and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will of course not be distracted by these obvious campaigns of lies and calumny. The online publications, being criminally defamatory in nature, have been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary action.
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President
on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th July 2020
https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/08/efcc-osinbajo-clears-air-on-receiving-n4billion-from-magu/
The former Governor of old Anambra State and Senator who represented Enugu East Senatorial District, Senator Jim Nwobodo, on Wednesday, said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has wiped away his tears by constructing the 14-Bay Bailey Bridge across Nyama river linking Umuogo and Umuagba Amechi Uno/Obeagu communities in Enugu South Local Government Area.
Sen. Nwobodo, who spoke during the inauguration of the bridge by Gov. Ugwuanyi, expressed his "greatest gratitude" to the governor for "constructing this bridge for my community on your own initiative and without any prompting.”
The contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Engineers by the Enugu State Government.
Speaking further, Sen. Nwobodo said that he was delighted that Gov. Ugwuanyi has actualized the long-held dream of his community, a feat that past governors could not accomplish.
Senator Nwobodo who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Pat, also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi, for entrenching peace and good governance in Enugu State.
He pointed out that the existing peace in the state has brought security and rapid development, especially in the rural areas, saying: “Thank you (Ugwuanyi) for this great honour you have done to me. I thank you for wiping away my tears”.
His words: “Since 1999, I have never been to Enugu and stayed more than two weeks. But since this governor came, I have been in Enugu for the past six months because of the peace he has entrenched."
Inaugurating the bridge in the company of the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Lasisi Adegboye, Sen. Nwobodo, his wife and other dignitaries, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that his administration was compelled to construct the bridge because of the need to unlock the tremendous opportunities for the benefitting communities in line with the state government’s rural development agenda.
The governor disclosed that his administration “made a deliberate choice of awarding this project to 82 Division Army Engineers owing to their rich history of competency in delivery of resilient Bailey Bridges”, adding that “the event of today evidently justifies this procurement decision”.
According to him, “this project dovetails into the integrated rural development agenda of our administration; enhancing connectivity and access to homes/businesses/communities as well as stimulating commerce/economic growth in the benefiting communities”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who recalled that his administration had in its first tenure completed 11.5km of asphalted road network in Enugu South LGA that are already in use, stated that “our administration further commits to improving the approach roads to this Bailey bridge after the rainy season”.
He, therefore, implored the residents and all users of the bridge and other roads to avoid unnecessary physical damage to them to ensure their durability.
Earlier in his speech, the Supervising Engineer of the bridge construction, Brig. Gen. Samuel Bitrus, expressed special gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for giving the Nigerian Army the opportunity “to be partners in your developmental strides for the benefit of the people of Enugu State, particularly the Amechi community and the entire humanity in general”.
Brig. Gen. Bitrus explained that the “Bailey Bridge is a 14-Bay steel deck bridge of Single Truss Single Storey (SS) configuration and a class 16 Military Load Capacity (MLC/Tons) bridge”. He further explained that “the entire bridge is supported by the sub structure made up of the home/far bank abutments and an intermediate pier built to specification with 6-8m deep piling work to guarantee stability capable of withstanding any volume of downpour”.
He therefore, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY Buratai, congratulated and appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for “attaching importance to linking up communities in dire need of infrastructure through projects such as this one, so much so that he is here to commission this project himself”.
Other dignitaries at the event include former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Hon. Goddy Agbo, the member representing Enugu South (Rural) in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onyinye Ugwu, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, and the Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Hon. Monday Eneh.
Enugu State is in the hands of God!
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/401942-amechi-bridge-ugwuanyi-wiped-away-my-tears-nwobodo.html
INVESTIGATION
The only source of water for some remote communities in Karshi council has been ruined by mine workers with Hongao Mining Company Ltd, a Chinese firm. The miners who are being protected by security operatives have made residents vulnerable to COVID-19 as the people have been unable to wash their hands as frequently as they should in this era.
A stream which serves Angwandadi (location of the company site) and at least 8 neighbouring communities is no longer safe for use, no thanks to Hongao Mining which has been using the water (that runs by the site) to wash its stones.
Farmers depend on the stream to water their crops and quench their thirst. But they now have to trek long distances to find alternative means of water. The road to the village is so bad that it has become a breeding ground for kidnappers.
Heading towards Kutasa where Angwandadi is located, a first-timer would immediately notice it is totally cut off from the nation’s capital in terms of infrastructural development. It lies about 70 km north of Abuja. The road to the village is covered by bushes, battered by erosion and occasionally plays host to kidnappers — some persons were abducted along the road a few days before one of the visits.
Not only does the community lack accessible roads, it also grapples with lack of electricity while hospitals and schools remain imaginary luxuries for the villagers. But none of these issues trouble the community like the activities of Hongao.
“The water was good for various uses before they (the Chinese company) came and spoilt it. The one we have at home is being contaminated too by cattle. No borehole, no hospital. This is how we live in Kutasa. No water; we suffer to get water to drink,” Mariamu Bahago, whose farm is not so far from the company site, told TheCable.
LOCATION OF HONGAO OPERATION SITE VS PATH OF VOOVO STREAM
For 2 months, TheCable monitored operations of the company. Documents and interviews with more than a dozen contacts showed some of their activities are not in line with laid-down procedures. Even though the company has exploration licences EL28811 and EL28644, it is illegally using water from the stream to wash stones extracted after which the waste finds its way back to the river in contravention of the Minerals and Mining act.
Worse still, the company failed to provide a borehole for the community despite fervent pleas. Section 61 of the mining act states that every holder of an exploration licence shall:
“(a) conduct exploration activities in a safe, friendly, skilful, efficient, and workmanlike manner in accordance with the regulations;
(b) conduct exploration activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner; and ….
(e) not abstract, divert or discharge water or effluent from any Watercourse except in compliance with a water use permit and regulations.”
COMPANY SITE LOCATED BY THE STREAM
During one of the visits to the site, TheCable reporter, hiding in nearby undergrowth to avert the gaze of gun-wielding policemen, observed how the miners carried out their operations. Going too close, one of the villagers told the reporter, will be “too dangerous.”
We watched how, with the aid of an excavator, the operators dug out sand from the ground which is then washed with water diverted from the stream, to sieve preferred stones from the sediments. After that process, the water meandered into the stream and ultimately into the body systems of the residents of Kutasa and their neighbours.
A technical officer at the FCT mines and steel development’s mines inspectorate department (the office empowered by law to approve guidelines for miners and enforce mining regulations) told TheCable they have no records of Hongao. The official, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said he could not confirm activities at the site, but added that a team would be raised to inspect the place.
While in the community, one could hear clearly the sound of the machines used by Hongao. TheCable learnt that the Chinese company first came to the village long before November 2019 when they signed a “compensation agreement” with the 7 owners of the land for “small-scale mining operations”. Yuan Jian, secretary/director of Hongao, signed on behalf of the company, as seen in document obtained by TheCable.
That payment, Ishaya Bahago (traditional ruler of Kutasa) said, has been the only form of compensation the community has received from the company. At least 5 other villagers including Samaila Tabo, the youth leader, said they met brick-wall in the requests to the company for a borehole.
Although no law mandates miners to provide water supply for their host communities, it is illegal to ruin existing water supply. It is on this basis Hongao is expected to create an alternative source for the residents after contaminating their water source.
A laboratory analysis carried out by TheCable confirmed the water is highly turbid and unfit for drinking. In the analysis done at the FCT water board, Okobi O. Y. who signed the report on behalf of the general manager, noted that “physio-chemical analysis shows high levels of turbidity, nitrate and iron” and that “water may need further treatment.”
REPORT OF LAB ANALYSIS ON THE WATER
When contacted by TheCable, Austine Akpuma, a director at Hongao, admitted that through its activities, the company has contaminated the water source of the villages but he gave security challenge as an excuse for not providing a borehole for the people whose lives have been badly affected.
He said Hongao has contacted 9 companies to drill borehole in the community but most of them refused to “because of kidnappers” who are usually on the road to Kutasa. A borehole which the company finally built for the community in May is still not functional till date.
U. J. Elimelechi, an armed policeman who accompanied the officials, said he was not aware of any form of illegality in the company’s operations. Akpuma had earlier said Hongao applied to the force headquarters before the policemen were sent.
Yusuf Bulus, a geologist who often visits the area for research purposes, explained the excavation process at the site: “They are alluvial minerals — deposits formed when minerals are eroded from their source, and then transported by water to a new locale, but they are able to operate now because the river is not flowing as it used to deep into the rainy season.
“What now happens is that the water they are using to wash the stones is entering the paths of that river and flowing that way to the neighbouring communities that also use it. It is meant to be natural water that will flow to other channels but it is not the case; the water flowing now is being controlled by men.”
Frank Mba, police spokesman, did not answer calls to his phone, and had not responded to a message sent to him at the time this report was filed. Anjuguri Manzah, spokesman of the FCT police command, was also contacted for comments but no response.
GAINING AT THE EXPENSE OF THE LAW
Ishak Magaji, a mining researcher and lawyer acting on behalf of the community, told TheCable that Hongao did not reach any legal agreement with the community before it started extracting minerals.
“From our findings, we discovered that before they started operating, they did not enter any form of agreement with the community,” he said. “Exploration helps you know if a mining site is viable or not. But in respect of this company, what we have seen is (that) they are carrying out full-scale mining because the machines we saw operating there, I have never seen a gold processing machine bigger than that or a washer bigger than what this company is using.”
Although the company denied they have started mining, one of their labourers alleged they get up to 10kg of gold, a claim we could not verify.
TheCable reporter had, during one of numerous visits to the site, posed as a businessman looking to buy gold. The labourer explained how the company operates: “This machine, if it starts work, e dey go continuous for one week … the gold wey e dey carry am for house, I know say e go pass 10 kilo, any day.”
He added that one gram of gold sells for N15,000 on the site and could go for N17,000 in the market around Suleja, Niger state.
"WE ARE HELPLESS"
In 2019, Bahago said the community and Hongao allegedly agreed to construct a primary school block but none of these promises — borehole or school — has been fulfilled.
“The Chinese are not responding and we are tired of the whole issue,” the traditional ruler groaned, adding that all efforts to seek redress from the government have failed. Gado, who is in his 50s, laments the community is frustrated and doesn’t know what to do
Tabo, the youth leader, said the residents are planning to protest against the miners. He also said the company had given “all kinds of excuses” to further delay drilling a borehole for them as they no longer have any reliable water source.
HOW DANGEROUS CAN MINING BE TO THE HUMAN BODY AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
Johnson Amobi, a senior lecturer at geology department of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, spoke of how impurities from gold mining can pollute farm lands and water bodies.
Amobi, who has worked as a mining consultant in northern Nigeria, explained: “Gold just like other metallic minerals in nature are in their crude form; this implies they occur with other impurities which are called gangue while the metal gold is the essential material.
“The percentage of the essential material (here gold) to the gangue defines the rank for that particular deposit. As rank varies from deposit to deposit, the gangue form the non-essential materials which are the impurities which vary from deposit to deposit.”
HOW NIGERIA LOSES BILLIONS IN SOLID MINERALS SECTOR
Although there are no official up-to-date estimates as to how much Nigeria loses to illegal mining of gold or in the solid minerals sector, data reviewed and interviews conducted by TheCable showed the country could be losing tens of billions of naira in unaccounted revenue.
In 2019, Bawa Bwari, former minister of mines and steel development, was quoted as saying “about 6 tonnes of Nigeria’s gold — valued at about N350 billion — had been traded in the international market yearly since 2016, with no impact on the economy or the national GDP.”
Apart from the major sources of loss which are mostly through licences, royalties and tax that should have been paid, Nigeria also loses a considerable amount of money as a result of the largely unregulated mining by individuals, 80% of which are artisanal miners.
Reporting on shady operations of licensed companies, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) noted in its 2018 audit report of the solid minerals sector that out of the 47 companies that engaged in export that year, there is no evidence that 30 paid royalties, adding: “It may result in revenue loss to the tune of ₦45,318,640.50 for 23.585 metric tons.”
The report further stated that there are 302 companies that paid royalties in 2018 but are not in the mining register, a loophole it said could open the sector up for illegal activities and huge revenue loss to the government.
Unlike the colonial era when mining sustained the economy, contributing majorly to the GDP alongside agriculture, total earnings from the solid minerals sector between 2009 to 2018, was N398 billion (or $1.94 billion), according to data from NEITI. In 2018, which has the most recent update, the government receipts from the sector was N69.5 billion, mostly from value added tax (VAT) which amounted to N40 billion, while 720 companies paid royalties of N2 billion.
Godwin Mbogo, an industrial expert who works at NEITI, blames poor record keeping and lack of the right fiscal framework for inadequate revenue in the sector “The mining sector is a relatively less regulated sector largely because of the large number of artisanal miners,” Mbogo said.
“One of the major issues with revenue generation in the solid minerals sector is the absence of a clear fiscal regime for the sector.” He also said there have been occasions where companies fail to send various returns as requested by NEITI.
To curb illegal activities in the mining sector, NEITI had recommended increased investment in the solid minerals sector and capacity building for states’ mines officers and surveillance teams.
While that is yet to happen, many communities, like those in Karshi, will continue to suffer unjustly.
SOURCE (abridged): https://www.thecable.ng/investigation-how-chinese-miners-endangering-fct-residents-enjoy-police-protection
Following the suspension and continued interrogation of the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for alleged corruption, several names have been touted to replace him, as the head of the anti-graft agency.
Here’s a lowdown of some of the possible replacements as the EFCC seeks to continue its fight against corruption.
Mohammed Umar Abba (Director of Operations, EFCC)
Mohammed Umar Abba who serves as the current Director of Operations has been touted to lead the anti-graft agency in the interim.
Mohammed Abba hails from Kano State, and is one of the most senior officers in the EFCC.
Bala Ciroma (Commissioner of Police, FCT)
Bala Ciroma, who hails from Yobe State, joined the Nigerian Police Force on March 3, 1990 as a Superintendent of Police.
A graduate of Geography from the University of Maiduguri, he served as Director of Operations of EFCC, from 2004 to 2008. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations, FCT Command from 2012-2013.
He has also held command posts in Kano, and Plateau states.
Ahmad Abdulrahman (Commissioner of Police, Enugu Command)
Ahmad Abdulrahman has been in charge of the Enugu Police Command since 2019.
He is a graduate of Political Science and Administration from the University of Sokoto.
He also holds a double Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Conflict, Preace and Strategic Studies from Kaduna State University in addition to a post-graduate certificate in Corruption Studies from the University of Hong Kong.
Until his posting to Enugu, CP Abdurrahman was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence at the FCID, Abuja.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/potential-candidates-for-efcc-chairmanship/
Quizzed on alleged looted assets’ disposal
The presidential panel investigating graft allegations against embattled acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has given him two days to consult his lawyers.
The panel reportedly granted Magu the opportunity “when his responses to the allegations were incoherent,” a security source told Daily Sun yesterday.
For the third day in a row, Magu faced the panel sitting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to account for his stewardship at the EFCC since November 2015. Among other allegations, the probe panel asked the EFCC boss to account for the specific number of properties recovered by the commission under his watch and what happened to them, the locations of the recovered property, how they were sold, whether the sale process(es) followed due process and the present state of those still in the commission’s custody.
Said the source: “From some of his submissions before the committee, he could not account for the exact figure of the assets in EFCC custody and what has even become of them. Even for the ones sold, he was incoherent when confronted with details of their disposal.”
The panel, it was further gathered, asked Magu if the bidding process(es) for the sold assets were advertised in national newspapers, as required by law, the short-listing process(es) and whether other government agencies were involved in the sale process(es) and also, whether the Presidency, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, was notified and involved in the disposal of looted assets, and “he was not coherent in his reply to these allegations.”
This reportedly prompted the probe panel to give him “two days to meet with and present his defence lawyers from Lagos,” according to report monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The committee chaired by Justice Ayo Salami (retd), decided to give Magu the opportunity of “legal counsel,” as the “allegations against him are weighty.”
A Presidency source had on Tuesday told State House correspondents that Magu was suspended from office following the ongoing investigation by the presidential panel.
Since Monday night when he was invited to appear before the panel, Magu has been spending the night at the FCID.
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/magu-gets-2-days-to-prepare-legal-defence/
N168 Billion Fraud: Hushpuppi hires top Chicago lawyer
Ramon Abbas, the Dubai-based Nigerian arrested last month for alleged Internet fraud, has secured the service of a top criminal defence attorney in Chicago.
Court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES showed Mr Abbas on Monday retained Gal Pissetzky, a senior partner at Chicago law firm Pissetzky & Berliner, to help extricate him from multi-million dollar fraud charges levelled against him by American authorities.
Mr Abbas, an Instagram sensation widely known as Hushpuppi, was arrested alongside dozens of his alleged co-conspirators following an overnight raid of his apartments in Dubai on June 10. Emirati police and prosecutors said about N16 billion was found in cash out of an estimated N168 billion online scams linked to the syndicate.
Following initial tussle over his custody between Nigeria and the United States, Mr Abbas was ultimately handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) on July 2. He arrived in the U.S. on July 3 and made an initial court appearance in Chicago.
Although American prosecutors said Mr Abbas would still be transferred to Los Angeles “in the coming weeks”, he has decided to hire a top lawyer in Chicago to guide him through the process of transfer to Los Angeles.
Mr Pissetzky made the first appearance on behalf of Mr Abbas at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on July 6, documents showed.
Mr Pissetzky was called to the bar in 2002 and has practiced in Chicago since 2002. His firm’s website said he has been retained in high-profile cases and also widely recognised by major American media outlets as a legal consultant on serious criminal matters.
Already, court hearings have commenced for Mr Abbas to be removed from Chicago to Los Angeles where he was indicted on June 25 and a warrant issued for his arrest.
NOTIFICATION OF DOCKET ENTRY
Mr Abbas has successfully argued for an adjournment of his removal hearing from July 7 to July 13, according to court documents.
The removal process appeared to have made it difficult for Mr Abbas to enter a plea, several days after he arrived on American soil. His plea may not be taken and he may not be entitled to bail until his matter is transferred to Los Angeles for proper prosecution.
Mr Pissetzky would likely counsel Mr Abbas through the removal process in Chicago, but it was unclear whether or not he would follow the suspect to Los Angeles. The attorney was not available for comments when PREMIUM TIMES reached his office on Tuesday.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/401738-n168-billion-fraud-hushpuppi-hires-top-chicago-lawyer.html
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The Special Assistant on Students Matter to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Comrade Sheriff Emeka Eboh Zadok, is dead.
Campus Gist reports that Comrade Zadok died after a brief illness on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
He died at the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, in Anambra state.
He was appointed Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Students' Matters in the year 2017.
Zadok was a known student leader and a frontline member of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Campus Gist recalls that Zadok, in 2016, vied for the National President position of NANS but lost to the immediate past president, Aruna Kadiri.
Zadok was a participatory member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Association of South-East Youth Community Leaders (ASEYC) and Nigeria's Representative at the West African Student's Union (WASU).
He is survived by his immediate family and lovely wife. Comrade Zadok is from Abia State and was President, Umuobasi Youth Association.
In a statement made available to Campus Gist by the Anambra Stakeholders Forum and NANS Zone 'B' stakeholders, they resolved to give the late students' leader a befitting burial.
They also ordered that a condolence register be opened at his immediate constituency, NANS Zone 'B' Transport Welfare Office at UNIZIK bus stand temporary site Awka, Anambra State from the 10th to 21st of July, 2020.
The statement announced the formation of a Central Planning Committee and subcommittees to handle all preparations for his burial. The committee has Comrade Chika Nzelu as Chairman and Comrade Chuks Obele as Secretary.
A tentative burial date of July 22 was announced, while the central planning committee is to liaise with the immediate family of the deceased and also carry the family along in every planning/preparation of his funeral rites.
No official statement yet from the Anambra state government, condoling with the bereaved family, as at the time of filing this report.
https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/09/special-adviser-on-students-matter-to-anambra-governor-sheriff-dies/
A commercial motorcyclist, simply identified as Joseph, was killed Tuesday when a suspected internet fraudster rammed into him in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State leaving the passenger with serious injuries.
The female passenger on the commercial motorcycle, who sustained a serious injury, was rushed to an unidentified hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspected internet fraudster who was chased by unknown persons from Oleh road to Ogorode road in a Mercedez Benz car, crashed his car during the chase.
In a bid to escape from his assailants, the suspected internet fraudster reportedly veered off his lane leading to a collision with the commercial motorcyclist.
Sensing danger, the suspected internet fraudster quickly escaped from the scene of the incident.
It took the swift intervention of the Police to rescue the female passenger, who was rushed to the hospital.
The police towed the Mercedez Benz car to the station to avert breakdown of law and order in the area.
Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Hafiz Inuwa, confirmed the incident, saying “Yes, I can confirm that a case of fatal accident occurred in which the cyclist died while the woman passenger sustained serious injuries.
The driver of the Mercedes Benz fled, while the vehicle was recovered and towed to the station.”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/internet-fraudster-kills-commercial-motorcyclist-injures-passenger-in-delta/
Banks have advised customers to remove their face masks when carrying out transactions through Automated Teller Machines to ensure that their faces are properly recognised.
Findings revealed that some banks have installed face detection features in their ATMs which can prevent an ATM from dispensing cash if it is unable to recognise the face of the user.
While the banks have introduced the wearing of face masks as a condition to enter the banking halls, they have also advised customers to remove it when they want to withdraw money from ATMs.
In an email to its customers on measures to keep transactions protected, Fidelity Bank said, “Wearing of face masks is a safety and precautionary measure we must all adhere to in this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, we advise that you remove your face mask while making withdrawals or carrying out ATM transactions to allow our ATM properly recognise you.
“Fidelity Bank ATM machines have face detection features installed to curb incidences of fraudulent ATM withdrawals.
“Consequently, you may not be able to carry out any transaction if our ATMs are not able to properly recognise you. We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause you.”
As lockdown continues to ease gradually, banks have continued to expand their operations.
In an email to its customers, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc listed its branches that would be accessible to customers.
It said, “When visiting any of our branches, kindly protect yourself by wearing a face mask at all times. It is also very important that you keep a safe distance when in a queue inside or outside the branch.
“Before visiting any of our branches, please remember that you can withdraw up to N150,000 at all our ATMs and that you can do most of your banking from the safety of your home.”
GTBank said the customers could bank through its e-payment platforms.
Source: https://punchng.com/face-mask-can-cause-failed-atm-transactions-banks/
Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos
Monday Ubani, a former Second Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday said Ibrahim Magu, suspended Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) waged a selective anti-corruption war during his five year reign.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Ubani said it is surprising that Magu chose to look the other way when petitions were written to the commission on the bullion vans sighted in the residence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the eve of the 2019 presidential election.
He also said Magu never investigated the allegations against Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former National chairman of APC despite petitions written against them.
"It all confirms the fight that Magu's fight against corruption is selective. Aside the petition on the bullion vans written about Tinubu, what about Ganduje? What about Adams Oshiomhole, the former National chairman of APC?"
" These are people that from all available facts and evidences, petitions were written against and submitted to the EFCC. Was there any investigation carried out by Magu? Definitely, his anti-corruption war is selective".
"Most times, it is also based on the issue of appointment of the EFCC chairperson. The President makes the appointment and it is confirmed by the Senate".
"When you have that kind of situation and you expect the EFCC chairman to probe his men, it will be very difficult for such an Individual except you are God. They will mess you up".
https://www.independent.ng/magu-should-have-investigated-tinubu-ganduje-oshiomhole-ubani/
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday restated his administration's commitment to the continued provision of adequate security of lives and properties of Lagosians, saying it remains a major priority of his government.
The Governor stated this at the State House, Marina when he received 16 security operations vehicles donated to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls in the State.'
Speaking during the handing over of the security operations vehicles to LSSTF, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured SNEPCo that the vehicles would be put to good use.
He said the presentation of the 16 vehicles was in fulfilment of the promise SNEPCo made to Lagos State Security Trust Fund during a dinner held a few months ago by Lagos State Government to seek support from the private sector.
He said: “We are excited because this is another confirmation of collaboration, another promise kept and another public-private partnership that is working for us in Lagos State.
“A couple of months back, even way before COVID-19, we had met at a dinner where we asked and solicited for support from our private sector operators in Lagos and SNEPCo was present at that dinner and they humbly committed to providing something for the state.
“So this was a commitment that was made to us months back but we are indeed happy that despite the very difficult terrain all of us have gone through, they have been able to make it, together with their joint partners - NNPC, Exxon Mobil and other partners.
“They are doing this because we as a government have shown consistent transparency in how we deal with them. We have shown that each time they support us, the support gets to the people and we get to use it for what the support is meant for.
Sanwo-Olu further assured the oil conglomerates that the State Government will continue to see them as development partners in the project of Lagos.
“We have different roles to play but we will continue to collaborate.
“We can assure you that the men that continue to keep us save will get these vehicles. We will determine how they go round. But you can be assured that none of them will be kept in governor’s residence. It will go to the people that truly require them and they will be used for the reason for which they were given.” Sanwo-Olu said.
Speaking on behalf of NNPC, the Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, said the presentation of the operations vehicles is to support the unrelenting effort of Governor Sanwo-Olu in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe.
Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Clementina Arubi, also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for their commitment in the fight against COVID-19 in Lagos State, the epicentre of coronavirus in Nigeria.
“Today in line with our GMD’s principles of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE), which are to be delivered in a safe and secure environment, leveraging technology and innovation, we are very proud to handover 16 security operations vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to support the unrelenting effort of the Governor in keeping over 20 million residents of Lagos State and their properties safe,” she said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mr Bayo Ojulari, said the presentation of the 16 security vehicles to Lagos State Security Trust Fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls, which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.
His words: “SNEPCo and indeed Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) recognise the tremendous work the Lagos State government is doing to strengthen security in the state amidst limited resources. Our keen and constant evaluation of the state of our community always helps to identify gaps where we believe we can intervene to make a difference.
“In this instance, we recognise the need to support the government's efforts in keeping the state safe, just as we have continued to support the state in two other areas- education and health. This, to a large extent, aligns with our priority of safety, health and development of our people and communities where we operate.
“Therefore, the 16 units of security vehicles being presented to the state's security trust fund is to enhance policing and facilitate quick response time to distress calls which are considered to be critical to crime prevention.
Ojulari added that his company will continue to work with the state to seek other areas of collaboration and partnership.
Also speaking, the representative of one of the co-venture partners, Exxon Mobil, the Senior Manager, Security External Relations of Exxon Mobil, Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue to do the good work he is doing to ensure that the people of Lagos State are secured and safe.
Other members of the executive at the event include the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folasade Jaji and the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Abdulrazaq Balogun, among others.
SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/2020/07/08/sanwo-olu-security-remains-our-priority-as-nnpc-snepco-donate-16-vehicles-to-lsstf/
See the war of words between a Twitter user and the verified handle of ‘The Church of Satan’.
It all started when The Church of Satan denied having connections with the occult church busted by Nigerian Security operatives at Abia recently.
I can only see a clown between the two.
What do you guys think?
I come against you by the power in the mighty name of Jesus. You are hereby rendered powerless and useless and God's judgement be upon you and your evil followers who has took over the affairs of this world. You all shall be exposed and be disgraced in the name of Jesus.
I set your Kingdom on fire by the power in the name of Jesus Christ. U are hereby rendered powerless & useless. The light of God will shine over the affairs of this world & darkness will disappear & have no place here & you & your followers will be disgraced in Jesus name. Amen!
https://mobile.twitter.com/iam_echarlz/status/1280849961857552385
Didn’t work.
All these people trying to flex the “power of the mighty name of Jesus” need to get their money back. Clearly a defective product.
https://mobile.twitter.com/ChurchofSatan/status/1280852294351720448
Nominations for the Office of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has officially closed. As at close of nomination on July 8 2020, eight nominees from different countries had indicated interests.
The outgoing DG, Azevedo, will be stepping down on August 31, 2020.
Nominees are expected to answer questions from the General Council (involving all its member states) and the Press between 15-17 July, 2020. Several rounds of consultations will follow until a consensus is announced. The DG's role is expected to be primarily advisory, managerial and renewable after 4 years
Generally, the appointment of the WTO DG is by consensus of the General Council.
Seade Kuri Jesús (Mexico)
Jesús Kuri possesses unique experience in global trade negotiations and management of international financial crises.
According to his CV, Kuri is the founding Deputy Director-General of the WTO. He was also a Senior Advisor at the IMF and Principal Economist at the World Bank.
Kuri was a Chief Negotiator for Mexico in the creation of the WTO and is currently the Under Secretary-General (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at USMCA, Mexico. He is fluent in the 3 Official languages of the WTO (English, French and Spanish).
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_mex_e.pdf
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria)
NOI (as she is fondly called) is a global financial expert, economist and international development professional spanning, three decades of experience. She was twice appointed Nigeria's Finance Minister and briefly, Foreign Affairs Minister. The first woman to occupy both positions.
She rose through the ranks of the World Bank, having served for almost 25 years to the position of No 2, Managing Director, Operations.
She is Chair to a lot of boards....
Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Chair, Board of AU African risk capacity
Member, South Africa Economic Recovery Team
Member, Boards of Standard Chartered Bank Plc and Twitter Inc.
Co-Chair, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate
Angelopolous Global Public Leader at Havard Kennedy School, etc.
She is a recipient of many awards at both the National and Global Stage.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_nga_e.pdf
Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh (Egypt)
Abdel-Hamid believes unequivocally in the Multilateral Trading System and its rule-based foundation. He is a Senior WTO official growing through the ranks to the position of Director of the Trade in Services and Investment Division of WTO.
He has solid internal WTO management and leadership experience spanning almost 35 years, as well as extensive legal expertise in public international /trade law and negotiations.
He is currently a Senior Counsel, King & Sparding LLP
He is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_egy_e.pdf
Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova)
Ulianovschi is a diplomat and politician with vast experience in international, political and economic reforms, including trade policy matters.
He has accumulated almost 15 years of experience as a Deputy Foreign Affairs and later Foreign Affairs Minister for the Republic of Moldova, Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Permanent Representative to the UN and WTO. He has chaired quite a number of steering Committees and is a member of the International Gender Champions.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_mda_e.pdf
Ms Yoo Myung-Hee (Korea)
Myung-Hee is an innovator, negotiator and strategist who believes in the importance of the multi-lateral system and constant renewal derives.
She has ample experience over 25years as Korea's FTA strategist and currently negotiator for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, US (KORUS) FTA re-negotiations.
Myung-Hee is currently Korea's first female Minister for Trade.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_kor_e.pdf
Amina Mohammed (Kenya)
She is an ambassador, diplomat and politician. Amina has been previously chairperson of all the highest decision-making bodies of the WTO.
She has chaired the Ministerial Conference (highest decision body of the WTO), General Council, Trade Policy Review and the Dispute Settlement body.
She is the first African to chair the Ministerial Conference of the WTO and first woman to chair the General Council and the Dispute Settlement body of the WTO respectively.
She also held several portfolios such as:
Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme, Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the WTO.
She is currently the Kenyan Minister for Sports, Culture and Heritage.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_ken_e.pdf
Mohammed Maziad Al-Tuwaijiri (Saudi Arabia)
He leads the development agenda of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and boasts robust interaction with international organizations and multilateral agencies
He has a long career in banking with the Saudi British Bank, J.P. Morgan and HSBC, eventually becoming the Group Managing Director, Deputy Chairman and CEO for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. A Strong advocate of Saudi Vision 2030, worked tirelessly to bring it to life through the support of the Ministry of Economy, as well through the position occupied as a Board member of key organizations, institutions and Companies in Saudi Arabia.
He is the immediate past Minister of Economy and Planning and currently an advisor to the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/bio_sau_e.pdf
Liam Fox (The UK)
He is a British politician who has been a staunch advocate for free trading and a defender of the rules based global trading system of the WTO. He has served in a number of positions as Former UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Minister Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Defence Secretary, et al
He is currently in the UK Parliament, President Board of Trade and a Privy Counsellor.
CV attached:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dgsel20_e/b
