Author: The Nation

THE  Ibadan family heads, known as Mogajis, on Sunday described the withdrawal of the suit on the Ibadan 21 kings at the Court of Appeal and the request for out-of-court settlement by Governor Seyi Makinde as the best option to ensure peace and progress of Ibadanland.

The Mogajis, who hailed the governor’s wisdom for his step, also warned against misinterpreting the action of the judges of the appellate court.

According to the family heads, the people of Ibadanland should understand the decision of the  judges of the Court of Appeal to return the case  to a lower court for settlement, rather than twisting the ruling as rejection of the out-of-court settlement.

A statement by the spokesman of the family heads, Mogaji Wale Oladoja, urged the people to consider the peace of Ibadanland as paramount than fueling crisis that was supposed to be a family affair.

The statement added that the people  were resolute in ensuring that the chieftaincy crisis is resolved and peace return to the Olubadan-in-council without delay.

The statement reads: “Without mincing words, Governor Makinde has made us proud on withdrawal of the suit seeking an appeal of the Olubadan chieftaincy legal battle. The family members send their warm greeting to the governor that they are happy with his move to ensure the case is withdrawn.

“With all indications, Makinde has proved that he has the interest of Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State in mind. We, therefore, appeal to our High Chiefs to accept the move of withdrawing the suit for peace, progress and prosperity of our land.”

On the importance of understanding of the judgment, the statement added: “We know that some enemies of progress are misinterpreting the judgment, but it is noteworthy to emphasis that the judgment was to return the case to the lower court for out-of-court settlement because of the Appeal Court was set for judgment before the state government approached it for withdrawal of the case. We need to understand that when the court set for judgment, it can only return judgment to a lower court.

“We, therefore, appreciate the effort of Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji and Osi Olubadan High Chief Rasidi Ladoja for their role in ensuring that peace returns to the family of Olubadan-in council and the personal conviction of Otun Olubadan High Chief Lekan Balogun to see the course as a family affair and his advocate for peace.”

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that no political godfather was involved in his election.

Makinde spoke in Akure, Ondo State capital, during his family’s thanksgiving at the St. David’s Anglican Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, Ondo State capital.

The governor, who was accompanied by some members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said rather than any godfather, God Himself supported him all the way.

He said: “I am standing before you that I am a testimony of an individual assuming the position of a governor of a state without a godfather apart from the Almighty.

“When I wanted to go into politics, my two mothers doubted me. They called me late in the night – that is Mama Akure and Mama Ibadan – and told me in Akure and Ibadan dialects that, if politicians give you anything, do not take.

“They said this because of their belief that no godly person should go into politics. If my mother can doubt me, it means I should not worry if an outsider does the same.

“But I am standing here before you to say that a godly person can go into politics and do well.”

The governor encouraged godly people to participate in politics, saying: “Holding political position does not make person depart from the ways of God.

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“The church was 100 per cent involved in my election in Oyo State. It was the first time that a provost of a church became an activist.

“During voting, the provost called that some people had stolen ballot box and described where they kept it. We made necessary contact and the box was retrieved and taken to where it should be for people to vote.

“We as a church should not be timid. It is only when godly people participate in politics that we can sanitise our environment. The church must organise to participate actively in politics.

“As you all know, election would soon come in Ondo State. I will also be here to campaign; so the church should be ready to participate.”

In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Diocese Rev. Simeon Borokini, recommended certain policies that the governor must put in place for him to be successful.

Borokini, who was represented by Rev Cornelius Osinyemi, said the governor must revamp the old farm settlements established by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to engage the youths in agriculture.

He urged the governor to make available in the farm settlements modern farm equipment for people to engage in different aspects of farming like fishery, piggery, poultry and many others.

The bishop also suggested that the government should be ready to buy agricultural products from farmers to guarantee stable income for farmers.

Borokini also advised the governor to rehabilitate schools in the state and make the welfare of teachers a priority just as he must take welfare of workers and pensioners a serious matter.

The bishop also urged the governor to use his experience as a private sector person to attract investors to Oyo State by creating a conducive environment in the state.

THE pan-Yoruba cultural organisation, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), will during the week celebrate its silver jubilee.

Over 24 pro-democracy activists, who laid down their lives during the June 12 1994 struggle, will  be bestowed with posthumous awards at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary, the organisers have announced.

At a briefing yesterday, OPC National Coordinator Otunba Gani Adams and  Publicity Secretary Yinka Oguntimehin said some of those pencilled for the awards, include the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Moshood Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, Justice Adewale Thompson, Ambassador Segun Olusola, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Olumide Adeniji, Tony Ngrube, Prof. Sophie Oluwole, Ibraheem Abobanawo, and the OPC founding father and spiritual leader, the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun.”

Others to be honoured are: Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana (SAN), Femi Aborishade, Kehinde Oluwole, Gabriel Akinadewo, Dr. Joe Okei- Odumakin and Yemisi Shylon.

Adams, who is the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, recounted  the tortuous journey that started 25 years ago, saying the entire experience calls for celebration.

Adams said Thursday, which is the grand finale of  the event, will feature a public lecture by a Professor of Political Economy and International Relations, University of Lagos, Tunde Babawale.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it recorded 77 per cent rise in cases of oil pipeline vandalism across the country in June.

The corporation’s Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR) for June said 106 pipeline points were breached, an increase from the 60 points vandalised in May.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, explained that the Aba-Enugu axis in the system 2E pipeline corridor accounted for 25 per cent of the total pulverised points, while the Lagos Atlas Cove-Mosimi axis of the system 2B had 23 per cent of the compromised pipeline points.

The statement said the Ibadan-Ilorin leg of the System 2B pipeline accounted for 18 per cent of affected lines.

This was followed by the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the system 2E, which was responsible for 13 per cent of the affected pipeline. NNPC added that other areas accounted for the remaining 21 per cent of cumulative line breaks.

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The monthly report, which is part of the corporation’s strategies to open its operations, activities and finances to the public, stated that despite the wanton breaches of its critical pipeline network during the period, it ensured continuous fuel supply and effective distribution across the country.

NNPC said during the month under review, 1.76 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, translating to 58.65 million litres/day were supplied and effectively distributed.

The corporation noted that to sustain the adequate products supply and distribution in the downstream sector, it continued to monitor the daily stock of PMS across the nation.

In the gas sub-sector, the June report stated that 223.98 billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of natural gas was produced in the month under review, translating to an average daily production of 7,466.09 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). The figure posted a slight increase of 0.11 per cent, compared with the previous month’s gas production.

For June, last year, to June this year, a total of 3,063.89 BCF of gas was produced, representing an average daily production of 7,873.58 mmscfd during the period.

Period-to-date Production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and NPDC contributed about 68.93 per cent, 21.34 per cent and 9.74 per cent, to the total national gas production.

The June 2019 MFOR was the 47th in the series.

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) chiefs overseeing various borders have said the service’s Operation Ex-Swift Response, the joint border security operation, is aimed at protecting the country and its citizens.

Customs Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs) Aminu Dahiru and Bukar Amajam, who spoke on the operation, assured that Nigeria and its citizens would benefit from it.

Dahiru, who is ACG in the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation (EI&I) Department at Customs headquarters, spoke on phone from Kwara State with our reporter.

The ACG said the operation would lead to the lockdown of trans-border illegalities.

He said the operation would, among other things, achieve zero tolerance for illegal migration into the country through land borders, curb the activities of bandits and prevent any form of smuggling into the country.

Dahiru also said the smuggling of petroleum products to other neighbouring countries would end with the operation.

The ACG said the operation had the full presence of various security outfits, like the Nigerian Navy (NN), checking movement on waters; the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) giving aerial support and combined forces on the ground.

According to him, there have been successes with the tremendous cooperation among security agencies.

Dahiru’s operation, with the complement of the Armed Forces, covers Benue axis in the Northcentral, with Niger and Kwara states, where defined border stations are located.

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An area in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, which shares state boundary and international border with Cross River and part of Cameroon, is also being policed as part of the operation.

Amajam, an ACG in the Finance, Administration and Technical Services Department at NCS headquarters, described the operation as an important national assignment for Nigerians’ benefits.

The Customs officer recalled that the operation started in the Lagos axis with increased security manpower at Seme Border.

He added that the movement would continue up to Idiroko border in Ogun State and other boundary towns and villages in Oyo State.

In a recent statement, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Joseph Attah said: “As part of measures to secure Nigeria’s land and maritime borders, the NCS and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as well as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security and intelligence agencies, will be conducting a joint border security exercise, code-named: Ex-Swift Response.

“The joint exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and taking place in four geopolitical zones, namelt: Southsouth, Southwest, Northcentral and Northwest.

“It is expected that the exercise will promote interagency cooperation and increase preparedness to address trans-border security challenges, such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, among others.”

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has trained 55 officers on building effective civil-military cooperation (CIMIC).

The officers, from the ranks of Sub-Lieutenant to Commanders, were trained in conjunction with the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) for five days at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) in Ojo, Lagos.

A flagship course of the NN, participants were exposed to CIMIC planning and management activities, counter-insurgency, laws of armed conflicts, the Geneva Convention and the protection of women and vulnerable groups, among others. At the graduation of the trainees, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas said the current national security posture was fluid and efforts by the military and other government security agencies to address the situation often involved kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

The naval chief advised the beneficiaries of the training programme to bring their experience to bear on the prevailing security situation in Nigeria to effectively tackle terrorism, militancy, banditry as well as armed robbery.

Admiral Ibas urged them to uphold the highest standard of conduct, exemplary character, integrity and excellence.

He stressed the need for collaboration among security agencies to address the situation.

The CNS, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Stanfford Enoch, noted that the kinetic operation sometimes adversely affects the environment, various actors and vulnerable groups which often lead to tension between civilians and the military.

“Training on CIMIC in the NN was, therefore, borne out of the need for officers to acquire requisite skills and tools to enable them effectively manage relationships and expectations of the civil populace while ensuring operational successes.

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“Effective CIMIC is an enabler to operational success. If combined with other social engineering strategies, it could expedite the process for national peace and security.

“I am convinced that during the course, participants have acquired requisite knowledge and skills that would significantly improve their capacities to act as well as advice their commanders during operations. Such advice is centred on processes if winning the hearts and minds of the populace they are likely to meet in their areas of operation,” he said.

Admiral Ibas said the NN had recorded some key deliverables towards deepening CIMIC for effective maritime security and national development.

The CNS stressed that structures had been put in place to enhance communication with the civil populace.

He said the NN had appointed CIMIC officers at command and unit levels, included CIMIC in all professional courses for all ranks as well as ensured adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.

“The NN is also implementing and mainstreaming gender related policies and programmes towards effective CIMIC,” Ibas said.

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has approved a $230 million facility to assist 9mobile’s growth plan.

AFC is a pan-African multilateral development financial institution established to bridge Africa’s infrastructure investment gap through the provision of debt and equity finance.

Its Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Executive Director Abdulrahman Ado announced the approval of the loan at the weekend.

Ado said AFC was convinced that the initiatives taken by the organisation would return the telecomunication company to the path of growth and profitability.

The director said 9mobile had shown that its plans would lead to cost efficiency, innovative product development and network efficiency.

In a letter addressed to Bayero and Beuvelet, AFC said: “AFC is pleased to inform Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services that it has received full board approval to support the turnaround strategy of EMTS through a $230 million super senior debt investment.”

The facility divided into two tranches would, among others, be used to repay historic vendor obligations, finance costs and an interest reserve account and payment towards quick win capex initiatives.

Commenting on the approval, Bayero expressed happiness that EMTS’ effort to recover previously ceded ground through an innovative growth plan was getting the support of AFC.

“We can only express gratitude to the AFC for approving this loan facility that would not only help our business sustainability but also grow it to serve our teeming and loyal customers in Nigeria better. We have completely reviewed our operational, regulatory, financial and technical architecture to ensure we deliver quality services. This facility would go a long way in giving the best in class services to Nigerians,” he said.

Bayero assured of the company’s resolve to continue its aggressive enhancement of network capacity and innovative features to guarantee optimum value to customers.

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He said: “Our turnaround efforts are well and truly underway. We had promised when we took over that we would justify the confidence reposed in our brand by making significant investments that will improve the value Nigerians get for using 9mobile. This is part of fulfilling our promise.”

Also, 9mobile’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Phillips Oki said: “The success of this transaction by way of the approval of the board of AFC is a sound affirmation of our belief that the fundamentals of the 9mobile business are indeed strong. It is also an attestation to the fact that the operational restructuring and financial reengineering we have done since we assumed ownership have launched 9mobile on the path of growth and profitability…”

“With this facility, our subscribers, staff and vendors should get ready to switch on to better days with 9mobile. We will reclaim every lost ground in the market in the coming months.”

The new board took over 9mobile last November, following a successful acquisition by Teleology Nigeria Limited.

Other members of the board include non-executive directors Asega Aliga, Mohammed Edewor and Winston Ndubueze Udeh, while the Executive Director is Abdulrahman Ado and Acting Managing Director is Stephane Beuvelet.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a temporary freezing of accounts and seizure of immovable property belonging to a retired judge and a director with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The judge, identified as Maegaret Igbetar Movihinze, was said to have recently retired from the service of the Benue State Judiciary.

She was alleged to have opened and operated an account in Ecobank in the name of her maid, Theodora Atsu.

The NDDC official, identified as Solomon Okpa Ita, was accused of being a shareholder and director of a private company – Agare Wills Limited – while she was still a public servant in the employ of the regional commission.

Following two ex parte motions filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and argued by its lawyer Osuobeni Akponimisinga, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a ruling on August 19, granted all the reliefs sought.

Justice Taiwo ordered the ICPC to publish the reliefs granted in a national daily and for the affected parties to show why the assets should not be finally forfeited to the government.

The first motion has Igbetar Movihinze Maegaret and Atsu Theodora as respondents.

The reliefs granted in the motion include:

* An order of interim forfeiture of N840,921,929.51, being proceeds of some unlawful activity allegedly stashed in Ecobank with account number 4701000812 in the name of Theodora Atsu.

* An order of interim forfeiture of N3,688.27 standing as current balance other than the fixed deposit amount, being proceeds of some unlawful activity allegedly stashed in Ecobank with account number 4701000812 in the name of Theodora Atsu.

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* An order restraining any person or persons, whether human, juristic or artificial, not to part with, deal with, deal in or otherwise dispose of such property or any part thereof on account number 4701000812, pending the determination of the matter.”

The ICPC, in seeking the reliefs, stated that “the victim of the alleged crime is the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers, who include judges of courts across Nigeria”.

It added: “The moveable properties are alleged to have been acquired through some unlawful activities, which proceeds, if not illicitly taken from the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria, same would have been used to meet the infrastructural needs of the citizens and development of the nation.

“The alleged owners, in the course of investigation, particularly the first respondent, opened the suspicious account with stolen identity, that is, she used her passport photograph to open the suspicious account in the name Theodora Atsu to avoid being noticed.

“The first respondent is a retired judge, and she may have used her position to acquire the illicit funds and hide same in the name of the Theodora Atsu.

“The respondents may likely dissipate the alleged suspicious moveable properties should the court not intervene at this moment to preserve the res (subject of the case).

“The alleged moveable properties may likely be used by the respondents to fund activities that may make the country unstable and ungovernable by the present administration, which may also spill over to successive administrations in the future.”

In a supporting affidavit, an operative of the ICPC, Markus Iliya said the commission received intelligence that the respondents were involved in some unlawful activity against the interest of the Federal Government.

“The commission, upon preliminary investigation into the intelligence report, found that the first respondent is a retired judge, wherein she allegedly used her passport-size photograph to open an account with Ecobank in the name of Theodora Atsu – the second respondent – with number 4701000812. “

“The second respondent is the house maid of the first respondent. From the preliminary investigation, the alleged suspicious funds are proceeds of crime.

“The applicant (ICPC) has begun a thorough investigation around the first and second respondents to x-ray other facts, which are likely to be more shocking and ground breaking.”

The second motion has Agare Wills Limited and Solomon Okpa Ita listed as respondents.

The reliefs granted in relation to the motion include:

* An order of interim forfeiture of the following immovable properties described as Agare Wills Petroleum/Gas Station Limited, located at Parliamentary Extension Expressway, Calabar, Cross River State, and Agare Wills Event Centre and warehouse situate at Parliamentary Extension Expressway, Calabar, Cross River State, being immovable properties linked to Agare Wills Limited and Solomon Okpa Ita during preliminary investigation as proceeds of some unlawful activity.

* An order of this honourable court directing the applicant to publish a notice in the national newspapers calling for persons having interest in the moveable and immovable properties described in prayers one above, to show cause in court why the properties so described should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The grounds, on which the applicant relied in seeking the reliefs, included that “the victim of the alleged crime is the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers, which include judges of courts across Nigeria.

“The immovable properties are alleged to have been acquired with proceeds of crime, which proceeds, if not illicitly taken from the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria, same would have been used to meet the infrastructural needs of the citizens and development of the nation.

“The alleged owners, in course of investigation activities, were unable to account for, with cogent proofs, how they came about the alleged immovable properties.

“The second respondent (Solomon Okpa Ita), who doubles as shareholder and director of Agare Wills Ltd, his legitimate earnings are far less than the value of the alleged immovable properties, being a public servant in the employment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“The respondents may likely sell off or dissipate the alleged immovable properties to unsuspecting members of the public for value, should the court not intervene at this moment

“The alleged movable properties may likely be used by the respondents to fund activities that may make the country unstable and ungovernable by the present administration, which may also spill over to successive administration in the future.”

The Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, has said that the present administration will work assiduously to ensure the growth and development of the state.

Alabi gave the assurance while speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the 2019 convention and fund raising of First ECWA, Oro-Ago, on Sunday.

He pledged that the present administration would not engage in any corrupt practice or financial recklessness, adding that the cardinal focus of the government would be to ensure the transformation of the state.

“I call on you our people to support the government with prayers so that we can succeed.

“It is only God who gives power. I implore you to believe only in His wonderful ways of doing things and I believe Kwara will be great again”, he said.

In his message, Pastor Sunday Awokoya charged Christians to play significant roles in the spread of the gospel and the building of the church.

Awokoya, who titled his sermon “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber, and build this house”, quoted copiously from the scriptures to support his appeal for people’s financial contributions to the church building project.

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According to him, nothing is too small to contribute to the building of the house of the Lord.

The cleric called on well-meaning individuals from Oro land to impact their community positively and ensure the early completion of the church.

He urged those in the Diaspora to come home and invest in the state to ensure its socio-economic development.

Awokoya, while praying for the success of the present administration, charged it to be upright and fight corruption to a standstill in the state.

He urged the people of the state to cooperate with the Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration to succeed in the task of taking the state to greater heights.

The Oloro of Oro-Ago, Oba Olanrewaju Dada, in his address, pledged the support of his people to the present administration.

He prayed God to continue to use the governor and his deputy for the progress and development of the state.

The royal father also called on the sons and daughters of the town in the Diaspora to contribute their own quota towards its development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President of Oro-Ago Development Union, Mr Tunji Kadir, presented a copy of the Holy Bible to the deputy governor, on behalf of the community, in appreciation of his visit.

NAN also reports that the event was attended by a former deputy governor of the state, Mr Joel Ogundeji and traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District, led by the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, among others.

(NAN)