Author: The Nation

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over his failure to appear in court to explain circumstances surrounding the 53 million dollar-judgment debt arising from the Paris Club refund.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who ordered Emefiele to appear on the next adjourned date, said he was minded to exercise a restraint in the proceeding to give the ex-CBN boss an opportunity to explain himself.

The development occured following an intervention by Emefiele’s counsel, Audu Anuga, SAN, praying the court to give his client another opportunity due to the fact that they had been unable to reach him since the last order, directing him to appear in court.

Anuga told the court that Emefiele, who was suspended as CBN governor, had been in detention.

He said all efforts to reach him to communicate the directive of the court to him were unsuccessful.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice  Ekwo had, on Oct. 20, 2022, ordered the CBN governor to appear in court on Jan. 18 over his alleged refusal to obey the order of the court for the payment of the judgment debt in favour of a legal practitioner, Joe Agi, SAN.

Agi had dragged Linas International Ltd, Minister of Finance, CBN and Emefiele to court as 1st to 4th judgment debtors respectively, following an application for garnishee made by him as judgment creditor in the case.

However, on the Jan. 18, proceedings could not go on as scheduled when the matter was called, prompting the court to subsequently adjourned the case till March 20, before it was fixed for June 6 again.

NAN reports that the judge, on June 6, ordered Emefiele to appear before it on July 19 (today).

But President Bola Tinubu, on June 9, suspended him as CBN governor and he was directed to transfer his responsibilities to the deputy governor, operations directorate.

No sooner had Emefiele was suspended than the Department of State Services (DSS), on June 10, announced his arrest and detention.

Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Ayodele Arotiowa, who appeared for Agi, was about to make a submission when Justice Ekwo asked Emefiele’s lawyer if he had complied with the order.

“We made effort to see how we can communicate with the 4th respondent (Emefiele) but the 3rd respondent (CBN) was unable to communicate with 4th respondent.

“We rely only on public communication that the 4th respondent is incarcerated and have been unable to communicate with him,” Anuga responded.

He said there was another development now as to whether Emefiele could act on behalf of the CBN.

The judge, who said that CBN had no issue here, said Emefiele was sued on his personal capacity.

Anuga said: “But the public information now is that he has been suspended. And opportunity has to be given to him to comply.”

Justice Ekwo said for how long will the court wait for Emefiele since 2017 when the suit was filed.

“I have given you enough opportunity but you are taking it for granted,” the judge said, while directing Anuga to give a good reason why the court should  not issue a warrant of arrest against Emefiele.

The senior lawyer said since his client was still in detention after his suspension despite an order mandating his release, “my lord, we are at the mercy of the court.”

According to him, the whole purpose for warrant is to put this honourable court in a duty to do its work.

“But there is an intervening event, as we have not had the privilege to see him.

“The last opportunity my lord gave to the 4th respondent has not been communicated to him.

“I feel opportunity should be given so that this can be communicated,” he pleaded.

Anuga said after this, if Emefiele failed to comply, the court can then take its action.

The judge, consequently, adjourned the matter until Oct. 31 for the CBN and Emefiele to show cause why an arrest warrant should not be issued against the former CBN governor.

“Upon listening to counsel, I am minded to exercise restraint in this proceeding to give 4th respondent an opportunity to explain himself to me on next adjourned date,” he said.

NAN reports that the dispute stemmed from an alleged $70 million judgment against Linas International Ltd for the lawyer’s (Joe Agi) assistance with the Paris Club refund.

Read Also: Emefiele hires 11 lawyers, applies for bail in Lagos

Emefiele was said to have only released $17 million, leaving an unpaid balance of $53 million.

The court had on Jan. 23, 2020, ruled that Emefiele must appear “to be examined on oath.

Since the order, the said garnishee order absolute, to pay the balance of 53 million dollars now due and payable under the said garnishee order absolute and also show cause why you should not be committed to prison for default in payment of the said sum”.

In October 2022, Agi through his counsel Isaac Ekpa and Chinonso Obasi, filed another application against Linas International, Minister of Finance and the CBN.

He sought for an order directing the Inspector-General of Police to arrest Emefiele and bring him to court alongside his lawyers, Damian Dodo, Audu Anuga, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and Ginika Ezeoke, Jessica Iyoke, Abdullahi Afolayan, and Olayemi Afolayan.”

(NAN)

Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 elections, says he can’t celebrate his 62nd birthday with over 327 Nigerians killed in Plateau and Benue this month.

Obi, however, humbly appealed to all those who desired to celebrate him with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.

Obi, who was a former governor of Anambra, made this known in a statement  in Lagos on Wednesday.

Obi said he doesn’t have any reason to celebrate his 62nd birthday due to the present state of the country especially in Benue, Plateau.

He said: “Today marks my 62nd birthday but there will be no celebration because in this month so far, over 327 innocent Nigerians have been killed in Plateau, Benue and other states in a reckless manner.

“There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed. This month alone over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau.

“Similarly, in Benue, over 100 lives have been lost in recent times, the latest being 27 persons killed in Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum LGA.

“There are also many other cases of kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country. I want to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and property of citizens are secured.

Obi said while he remained grateful to God for His infinite mercies, he still maintained his decision of over 20 years, that he would not celebrate his birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current state of the nation.

The entrepreneur said some of his friends, members of the Labour Party, and OBIdient family and supporters had asked how they could join him in celebrating that day, and even present some gifts.

The former governor, however,  humbly appealed to all those who desired to celebrate him with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.

He said: “I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities, and offer them such generous gifts.

“They can also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need.

“Those who wish to do more can  visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country.”

Obi said he intended to do the same, adding that aside from sharing his time and resources with the less fortunate people around him, he also planned to raise money for schools and hospitals.

Read Also: Peter Obi commiserates with Gov Mutfwang on Mangu attacks

The former governor said the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from them, the leaders and the well-placed, adding that the state of the nation must give them cause to pause and ponder.

He said he wanted to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that could create opportunities for the youths and he wanted  to celebrate in a Nigeria that worked  for all and which Nigerians could be proud of.

According to him, this, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.

He noted that as Nigerians, they must always expand their imagination of the possible, believing as we do that a better Nigeria was possible.

(NAN)

Justice Oken Inneh, Chairperson of the Cross River Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, (EPT) has adjourned the proceedings on the matter between Gov. Bassey Otu and Sen. Sandy Onor to Aug. 14.

Inneh who gave the litigants 10 days to file their written addresses for adoption before adjourning  the proceedings, warned counsel to both parties to ensure that their written addresses did not exceed 40 pages.

Earlier, Otu, represented by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, called one witness, Dr. Erim Agbo, Assistant Organising Secretary of the APC in the state.

The APC, represented by Essien Andrew, SAN, also called a witness, Mr Effiong Umo, the State Assistant Legal Adviser of the APC.

Before commencing his testimony, the governor’s witness, Agbor, adopted his witness statement which he deposed on May 18.

He confirmed that the second respondent, Otu, was generally cleared to contest the elections by his party while the third respondent, Mr Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River, was a member of the APC, tendering his party’s membership register.

He also told the court that it was not the practice to delete the name of a member because he or she resigned and that it was possible to still have names of members who had either resigned or were dead.

On his part, the APC witness, Umo, confirmed that  he interacted severally with the second and third respondents as regards credentials and their competence to contest the gubernatorial elections.

He also confirmed that the acquaintance  and information they loaded him with severally and collectively formed the basis of his witness deposition.

He equally confirmed that he scrutinised all the documents presented by the second and third defendants before advising his party.

At the end of the day’s proceedings, counsel to the petitioners, Dr. Jonah Musa, SAN, said the witnesses called were not the ones who could answer questions on the personal documents of the second and third respondents.

According to him, “whatever they say is documentary hearsay,” he said.

Also reacting, Ozekhome, Counsel to Otu, said in law, “the burden of proof is in he who asserts, he who makes an allegation must prove it”.

He said the petitioners alleged that Odey the Deputy Governor must have taken the oath of allegiance to Great Britain but he said he did not and at this stage, the burden of proof is with them to bring any document to show.

Read Also: Otu tenders original certificates at tribunal

“Having failed to bring any document, their case collapses because they are no longer basing the case on malpractices.

“I tendered four judgments which are with the same parties in the dispute and in all these cases, the court held that they were fully qualified and that there was no disqualifying element in their credentials

“Dual citizenship is not a disqualifying factor and so, I can assure you we have been wasting our time here,” Ozekhome, said.

While Gov. Otu was accused by PDP candidate of not having the required academic certificate to contest the March 18 governorship election, his deputy is accused of taking oath of allegiance to Great Britain.

(NAN)

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has urged the New General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army/Land Component, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, to contain proliferation of illegal and unauthorised fire arms in the state.

Fubara gave the charge when Abdussalam paid a courtesy visit on him on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Boniface Onyedi, the Senior Special Adviser on Media to Fubara on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, an observation of the Nigerian military allowing individuals brandishing firearms is a national embarrassment.

He wondered why the Nigerian military had not considered it necessary to clamp down and bring to justice none state actors who continued to maintain armed camps in some communities in the state, brandishing sophisticated firearms publicly.

“When the military, for whatever reason, overlooks such acts of lawlessness displayed by persons who should have nothing to do with possession of firearms and using it to intimidate law-abiding citizens, it raises serious concerns.

“Have our laws got to that point where people can brandish arms before military personnel and you don’t do anything about it? It is an insult to the State and Federal Government of Nigeria,’’ he said.

Fubara also called the attention of the military to the incessant breakdown of law and order at the Elele axis of Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

Read Also: Subsidy: Fubara buys 17 free buses for Rivers residents

He charged the military to do everything possible to end the security breaches at Elele axis and make it safe for residents and travellers who used the road.

Fubara urged the military to end such national embarrassment and provide security to guarantee peace that would promote development in the state.

Abdussalam, who is also the Commander, Joint Taskforce, explained that having been posted to the state on assignment, his visit was to introduce himself, solicit support and cooperation from the state government.

Abdussalam commended the state government for the several material and logistics support given to the army and pledged that the division would provide adequate security to ensure the successful completion of the Port Harcourt ring road project.

(NAN)

The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has commiserated with the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on recent attacks in communities in Mangu Local Government and other parts of the state.

Obi commiserated with Mutfwang during his condolence visit to the governor on Wednesday at the Government House, Jos.

He described the killings of more than 200 persons in Plateau as sad, saying that the visit was to show support to the governor in his quest to address the security challenges in the state.

He commended him for his efforts toward finding lasting solutions to the continuous spate of attacks, saying that his efforts were being appreciated by Nigerians.

Obi who is also marking his 62nd birthday, said he chose to celebrate it with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mangu, to share in their pains.

He said that he had a vision of a better Nigeria where indigents would have the opportunity of better welfare and becoming great in future.

”I am desperate to see a Nigeria where it works for the poor and they get previleges,” he said.

He urged Plateau people to pray for the governor for the wherewithal to discharge his duties.

Obi said he would have deliberations with traditional leaders in the state and also visit IDPs in Mangu Local Government Area.

Responding, Mutfwang thanked him for commiserating with them over the loss, saying that more than 300 lives had been lost which was a national disaster.

Read Also: I never said I’d run for office in 2027, says Peter Obi

He said he was determined to end the attacks in the state and expressed regret that it was a distraction to governance.

”I did not become governor to bury lives.

”All we are asking is that this carnage should stop, we came to advance the course of our people,” he said.

He described Obi as an astute politician who redefined politics in Nigeria, saying that he had changed the political landscape in Nigeria.

He congratulated him on his 62 birthday and wished him well in his endeavours.

(NAN)

Gov. Muhammed Bago of Niger has advised Muslims to sustain their prayers for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Bago made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

The governor noted that the country is confronted with many challenges which need divine intervention in addressing them, in addition to human efforts.

He extended his heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah world over on the new Islamic Year (Muharram 1, 1445 AH).

Bago said the new Islamic Calendar signified a time of reflection, renewal and spiritual rejuvenation.

“As well as serves as a reminder of the values of unity, faith and perseverance that have continued to guide and inspire Muslims Worldwide,” he said.

He urged them to continue to pray for peace, tranquillity and economic development of the state in particular, and the country at large.

Read Also: Muslims celebrate new Islamic calendar in llorin

Bago emphasised the need for Muslims to always live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith.

He assured the people of his administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to building a new Niger.

The governor also called on them and other Nigerians to use the period to pray for the leadership of the country at all levels to succeed in their quest to find lasting solution to social challenges.

(NAN)

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Biu says the Corps will file an appeal against a court ruling which restricted its operations to Federal Highways.

Biu said this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kareem, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Asaba, Delta, made the ruling in Appeal No. CA/AS/276/2019 filed against the FRSC by a lawyer, Darlington Ugo-Ehikim.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the appellate court on Monday affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, which held that the FRSC can only operate on Federal roads.

It dismissed the appeal filed by FRSC challenging the judgment of Justice E. Nwite of the Federal High Court, Warri.

The High Court on Jan. 25, 2019 entered judgement in favour of the Plaintiff, who is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association, Warri branch.

The court also granted all the reliefs sought by Ugo-Ehikim, which include a declaration that the FRSC has no right to operate and/or carry any activity on State and Local Government roads.

The trial court also issued restraining orders against the Commission from operating on roads other than federal highways and also awarded N10m cost against the FRSC.

Read Also: Nigeria on course in meeting 2030 Road Safety Target – FRSC

Biu said, “we are aware of the judgement of the Court of Appeal Asaba Judicial Division from the briefing received from our Legal Representatives.

“However, as at the moment, we are yet to obtain a Certified True Copy of the judgement.

“As soon as we obtain same, we would take time to look at the judgement and make an informed decision on it. Until then, we urge the public to remain calm.”

The Corps Marshal said that the implication of the judgement as reported in the media, was that FRSC personnel would not be able to attend to or rescue crash victims on roads other than federal roads.

(NAN)