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Uzodimma fails to name crime sponsors in Imo

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma yesterday backpedaled on his threat to name the sponsors of insecurity in the state.

He said at the Imo stakeholders meeting in Owerri, the state capital, that his decision was to allow security agencies to complete their investigations and charge the suspected persons to court.

Uzodimma had last week vowed to release the identities of those he said were behind the spate of violence during the stakeholders meeting.

Before the meeting, Oguwike Nwachuku, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor had in a statement said some suspected kidnappers and bandits had mentioned to security agencies that former Governor Rochas Okorocha and his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, were among their sponsors.

Okorocha had immediately after Nwosu was arrested by the Police late last month reiterated that the Uzodimma administration was bent on tagging them as the sponsors of insecurity in the state.

The former governor, who is the Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, said the arrest of Nwosu by operatives whom, he claimed were from the Imo State Government House, was a pointer to the fact that the government knew the unknown gunmen troubling the state.

Addressing the stakeholders’ meeting at the State Executive Chambers in the Government House, Uzodimma appealed to the people to allow the security agencies to complete the “tremendous work” already being done.

“The security agencies have done tremendous work on those behind sponsors of insecurity in the state and I think we should allow them to complete the good work they have started and charge them to court,” the governor said.

He maintained that he had no grouse with anybody, adding that the difference between Okorocha and other former governors was that he (Okorocha) feels he could remain in office as the state’s first citizen.

His words: “I have no problem with anybody. We have other former governors who have ruled the state like Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim but the difference between the other governors and Okorocha is that Okorocha is out of office but still wants to be in the office.

“He is my younger brother and by culture, he should respect me. Within the period I will be here, he should allow me to answer the governor of this state…”

Giving his scorecard for two years, Uzodimma said the regular interface with the stakeholders was formed out of his strong desire to relate with the people.

He listed open door policy, inclusive and accountable governance in place of magic, repositioning of the state workforce, payment of pension, and some road projects as some of his achievements,

Uzodimma said: “Meeting of this kind will not only bring the people together but will update them on the latest development in the state which is the right thing to do.

“Before now, governance was carried out in secrecy, but despite the challenges I met on assumption, I have restored open, inclusive, and accountable governance to replace government of magic to government of the people for the people and by the people.

“We have made appreciable progress irrespective of the challenges met on the ground. We have positioned our workforce, paid workers 13th-month salary, pay pensioners their salaries and allowances.

“I promise to release promotion of all civil servants, to continue to build critical infrastructures, particularly roads.

“We have a total of 99 roads either undergoing construction, completed, or about to be completed. We have commissioned 50 roads which must be completed this year.”

Uzodimma added that his administration was packaging a 10-year economic development plan as a road map to the development of the state.

He also said that his government was projecting a monthly revenue of N5 billion as internally generated revenue.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Leo Stan Ekeh had appealed to politicians not to destroy the state.

He urged the governor to provide accommodation for what he called Finishing School in Owerri where youths could undergo skill acquisition training. He said he was prepared to equip the facility with N500 million and employ a minimum of 500,000 youths.

Uzodimma’s CPS had in a statement said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Okorocha and Nwosu have been specifically mentioned by suspects who are in the custody of security agents, as being sponsors of kidnapping and banditry in Imo State, using their relationship with former ex-militants to perpetrate the crimes.

“Rather than clear their names, they appear bent on using both overt and covert means to blackmail the Police High Command, which legitimately arrested Uche Nwosu. They are also actively seeking to dent the image of the fine security officers attached to the governor of Imo State.

“Plot by those believed to be fueling insecurity, particularly kidnapping, banditry, arson, and cannibalism in Imo State ahead of January 4, 2022, Imo Stakeholders meeting got to a head-on Monday with false news of the alleged arrest of the security officers attached to governor Uzodimma.

“Governor Uzodimma, it is believed, will use the Stakeholders meeting to expose the identities of those behind insecurity and other forms of criminality in Imo State. This has prompted Imo citizens to become more curious to discover the identities of those undermining their peace and prosperity.

“Thus, the current media frenzy by both Rochas Okorocha and Uche Nwosu appears to be strengthening the notion of their culpability.

“To discredit the government and undermine the peace which the governor has achieved so far, as was evident in the large number of Imo people who came back home from around the world for Christmas and New Year festivities, the duo have resorted to publishing falsehood yet again about security officers in the State Government House.

“Their claim of the arrest and detention of a certain Shaba, whom they falsely allege to be the CSO to the Imo State Governor is strange as the Governor’s CSO is not known by the name of Shaba both officially and otherwise. In addition, no security officer in the governor’s security team was either arrested or is currently unaccounted for. As such, the entire story can best be described as a poorly scripted fabrication aimed at misleading the unsuspecting public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Okorocha and Nwosu have been specifically mentioned by suspects who are in the custody of security agents, as being sponsors of kidnapping and banditry in Imo State, using their relationship with former ex-militants to perpetrate the crimes.

“Rather than clear their names, they appear bent on using both overt and covert means to blackmail the Police High Command, which legitimately arrested Uche Nwosu. They are also actively seeking to dent the image of the fine security officers attached to the Governor of Imo State.

January 5, 2022
Sanwo-Olu intervenes in Magodo estate crisis

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has intervened in the current crisis at Magodo Phase II Estate.

He led members of his cabinet on Tuesday to visit the residents who were protesting the continued presence of armed policemen on the estate.

The residents, who bore placards to express their displeasure, queried the presence of the policemen who were said to have been in the estate since last month.

Last year, the armed security operatives reportedly stormed the estate to execute a Supreme Court judgement, which mandated the Lagos State government to give back 549 plots to the original owners of the area, the Adeyiga Family.

The Nation learnt that over 300 houses were marked with different inscriptions, notifying the owners of an impending takeover by the family.

The Supreme Court decision, delivered on February 10, 2012, mandated the Lagos State government to give back 549 plots to the original landowners of the area before it was acquired over 38 years ago.

Speaking to the aggrieved residents of the estate on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu, stated that a meeting had been scheduled with the judgement creditors on Wednesday.

He added that representatives of the association and the police would also be involved in the meeting.

He said: “My great people of Magodo, I bring you good tidings.

Read Also: Magodo residents protest presence of over 50 policemen

“The chairman of the residents association, the Honourable Attorney-General, other cabinet members, the Assistant Inspector General of Police and also the leader of the team from the IG’s office are all here.

“First is to wish all of you a happy New Year. It is a very difficult one to start the year like this and it is because of the importance that we see to the lack of proper information that I had to take up this assignment myself.

“When the first attempt happened about two weeks ago, I intervened and if you remembered very well, the action was immediate and there were no incidents again and throughout the festive period, we had started communication.

“One of the things to first understand is that the residents, the people that have gone to court and the police are my subjects.

“I have the responsibility to ensure that fairness, equity is entrenched.

“The people that have come said they have Supreme Court judgement, rightly so.

“The residents living here have proper title and a means to live here.

“In the car, I had spoken extensively with the IGP and with the Honourable Attorney-General and we have resolved all of the issues.

“What we will see is that there would be a total stand-down and tomorrow (Wednesday), around 11am, we will be inviting the representatives of the judgement creditors.

“We will all go through every line of it and come to an amicable solution.

“To ensure that peace would be restored into the estate, I want all of our citizens to go about their lawful businesses, knowing fully well that nobody will be harassed or property trampled upon pending these conversations as we will have conversations tomorrow so that we can bring this to final closure.

“So, I want to ask the residents and executives not to take laws into their hands and go back home peacefully as the policemen have been recalled back.

“The judgement-creditors claimed that the people we met with are not their full representatives.

“We will meet the full representatives again so we will be able to bring everything to final closure.

“All of you have been wonderful, so, let us continue to maintain the peace that we have in Magodo.

“I can assure you that none of your houses would be marked again and the ones that have been marked, we will try and see how we will sort it out because war doesn’t take anybody anywhere, it is on the table that we will all resolve it.

“I want to appeal to all of you to stand down and go back to your houses as nothing will happen to anyone as I am here to ensure that Magodo continues to remain in peace and safety for our residents.

“Whatever property that has been locked would be opened as everything would be resolved.”

January 4, 2022
Ban: Twitter meets conditions
Twitter users may soon have access to the social media platform which has met the six conditions imposed on it by the Federal Government.

The Technical Committee raised by the government to resolve the impasse between the two parties is fine-tuning the offers by the micro blogger before making a final recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President is also awaiting the report of the committee to lift the ban it imposed on Twitter on June 4, last year.

It was learnt that the President has agreed in principle that Twitter’s social networking operation be restored in Nigeria.

There were, however, indications yesterday that the government plans to amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act to include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media platforms

Investigation by The Nation revealed that Twitter has complied with all the terms given by the government to restore its services.

The conditions agreed to by the firm are:
- Open an office in Nigeria
- Have a country representative
- Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)/get National Broadcasting Commission’s licence
- Payment of fair taxes
- Sensitive to national security and cohesion. It must not undermine the nation’s security
- Train Nigerian IT personnel and strategic intelligence officers on how to report twitter abuse /infractions noticed by the government.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “From the records, Twitter has finally met six conditions set by the Federal Government for the lifting of the ban on its service in Nigeria as at the close of business in 2021.

“The operation of Twitter will now be fully regulated, including opening of office and deployment of a Country Representative. We can now hold an officer responsible for any infraction.

“Twitter only requested that the Federal Government should allow it to open the office in 2022 because there was no provision for it in its last year’s budget. Since we are in a new year, we are expecting that the office will take off soon.

“With payment of taxes, we are hopeful that the government will earn enhanced revenue from Twitter. This ban has helped to correct the lapses of the past. For instance, Twitter has been raking huge cash from Nigeria without legal backing and compliance with our revenue laws.

“Although it was alleged that Nigerians have lost over N6billion to the ban but the Federal Government has lost much more in revenue.

“In spite of recourse to VPN by some users in Nigeria, Twitter revenue slumped considerably because this alternative does not fetch income to it.

“Now, the era of impunity is gone. Twitter must register with CAC and operate in Nigeria as a business concern which it is in other parts of the world.”

Read Also: Twitter, Facebook, Google, others now to pay tax in Nigeria

Responding to a question, the source said: “The two parties reached consensus on how to manage posts likely to cause security breaches and those that can threaten Nigerian security.

“The security matter was the last point of negotiation. The two parties agreed on how to report offensive/inflammatory posts or reports that undermine Nigerian security.

“Part of the agreement borders on the need to train some Nigerian IT experts and intelligence officers on how to track report and relate instantly with Twitter to flag down such posts.”

Asked when the ban will be lifted, the source added: “The Technical Committee is looking into and fine-tuning offers from Twitter, especially reporting line and technical training, before making final recommendation to the President to lift the ban.

“President Buhari has agreed in principle to lift the ban but we have to consider the conditions and what Twitter offered. Some aspects have IT implications which the Technical Committee must study in the overall interest of the nation. Once the President gets the report of the committee, he will decide.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the government will soon submit a request to the National Assembly to amend National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.

Another source added: “The proposed amendments will accommodate all the conditions given to Twitter. Our law will now fully incorporate the technical and business dimensions of the agreement between the two parties.

“The same law will now be applicable to the operation of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other internet platforms.”

On June 4, 2021, Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed announced an indefinite ban on Twitter after the deletion of some tweets by President Buhari.

A lawyer, Inibehe Effiong filed an application before a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking a declaration to declare suspension of Twitter as a violation of human rights.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) told the court that “Nigerians are still tweeting, even at this moment as the ban on Twitter is not aimed at intimidating Nigerians or an infringement on the rights of Nigerians to express their opinion.”

On its part, Twitter chose to enter into negotiation with the Federal Government to end the spat over the ban.

The talks by the two parties have been concluded but it is left to the government to make its final decision.

On the possibility of lifting the ban, Mohammed said last year: “And as to the qualifying word for when or how soon, I want to assure you that the time that Twitter operation has been suspended, (I meant) between the time it has been suspended, and when it will be restored is by far, much, much shorter.

“Twitter will be licensed by the broadcasting commission, and must agree not to allow its platform to be used by those who are promoting activities that are inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.”
January 4, 2022
Expanding social safety nets to reduce poverty

To address increasing poverty, countries are deploying social safety net programmes as part of their core development plans. These include cash, in-kind transfers, public works targeted at poor and vulnerable households. The target is to reduce the poverty gap significantly. Lagos is undertaking a series of strategic programmes to provide safety nets to reduce poverty, increase productivity growth and create jobs, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

The out of the blue Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has contributed, in no small way, to further the already growing global inequalities. Poor and vulnerable households were and are still the worst hit.

This may have informed the step taken by the United Nations which, this year, urged member states to confront the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and its attendant inequalities on a global scale.

The 2020 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report forecast that the least developed countries (LDCs) were to experience their worst economic performance in 30 years.

While First World countries have experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, persistent poverty and on-the-rise inequality have escalated in Africa.

As a result, experts have recommended the establishment of adequate social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations.

According to the World Bank, more than 1.9 billion people in 136 low- and middle-income countries benefit from social safety net programmes. The bank reeled off social safety net programmes to include cash and in-kind transfers targeted to poor and vulnerable households, with the goal of protecting families from the impacts of economic shocks, natural disasters, and other crises; ensuring that children grow up healthy, well-fed, and can stay in school and learn; empowering women and girls; and creating jobs.

In response, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are introducing flagship social safety net programmes. The purpose is to contribute to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability by addressing various population groups through different forms of assistance. These include conditional cash transfers, child-school-feeding programmes, among others.

Consequently, the Federal Government, working with states, instituted social safety programmes to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to tackle the acute development challenges which followed on.

It also rallied for support to build long-term resilience through fostering productive capacities.

The Lagos State believes the poor and other vulnerable groups suffered the most negative consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the government is rapidly expanding its social protection programmes.

The aim is to provide a bridge to faster recovery of households, communities and uplift the livelihoods of millions of residents.

According to the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, the COVID-19 crisis exposed the precarious situation of many Nigerians and the need for further investment in public social protection.

This explained why the government is rigorously implementing social protection programmes, including large-scale transfers to help poor households that were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Mrs Yetunde Arobieke added that expanding the existing social safety nets for the poor is central to the fight against poverty.

She noted that the government was pursuing a strategic plan to increase productivity, growth and to tackle the inequality that has left many Nigerians without the necessary resources to start a business or move where better job opportunities may be.

To assist struggling families also, she said the government keyed into the Federal Government’s Cash Transfer initiative.

Following the enrolment of eligible residents of Lagos State for the first phase of the cash transfer initiative, beneficiary households began to receive the sum of N10, 000 in May and June last year.

Arobieke noted that the process of enrolment of beneficiary households commenced in April 2020 with the most vulnerable, aged and indigent citizens identified.

“It is of the essence to mention that the process of enrolment of about 8,147 households captured by the State Cash Transfer Office was approved by the Governor and commenced in April to fast-track a conditional cash transfer to beneficiary households in order to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable,” Mrs Arobieke said.

The Commissioner spoke about the state’s poverty reduction strategy which was built on indicators, clear targets and tangible actions to lower the fraction of residents living in poverty.

According to her, the government has made long-term investments in areas such as skills and employment which will help in addressing the issue of poverty in multiple dimensions.

She said the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was for the residents to have access to opportunities to be able to move out of poverty and acquire the skills, education and jobs they need to be at their best.

In furtherance of this also, the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development engaged stakeholders on the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme in the state.

Mrs Arobieke said: “The poverty reduction and empowerment drive by Sanwo-Olu administration has impacted Lagosians by increasing the enrolment rates of primary school children and providing empowerment opportunities for women, thereby improving the family and the local economy.”

Moving forward, she said, partnerships will continue to be important. She said the government will forge strong bonds with stakeholders on the frontlines of tackling poverty across the state to ensure its programmes and policies are aligned and complementary, as Lagosians expect and deserve nothing less.

Read Also: Probe alleged fraud in Abia, HEDA urges ICPC

Lagos, she reiterated, is a state where everyone has a real and fair chance at success. To demonstrate this, she said the government is removing barriers and helping all residents excel through access to life-long education and skills development, which lead to quality jobs.

Lagos, she noted, has reason to look to the future with confidence and optimism, even as she said that the government is optimistic to lift millions out of poverty as a result of its people-oriented programmes.

She said the government is determined to broaden the use of social safety nets through a wide range of projects to foster entrepreneurship.

As part of this, the government is leveraging Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) to reward residents to purchase items through its Eko Token (Lagos Cash Token UCSR).

Described as “Africa’s First Universal Reward for Residents, Mrs Arobieke said it was an initiative undertaken by the Lagos State Government to boost entrepreneurship and economy in the state.

She said the participating businesses give consumers electronic lucky dip tokens for patronising their products and services. Each token, according to her, qualifies the customer for up to N100 million win through a reward draw.

As the government continues to rebuild the economic and social damage caused by the pandemic, Mrs Arobieke said there is ample opportunity for optimism.

According to her, Lagos State has demonstrated the willingness to address its challenges, through a partnership with the private sector; with the hope that the efforts will result in e greater employment opportunities, economic growth, and mitigation of the impact of poverty.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Sina Thorpe, is satisfied with the efforts the government has made in supporting the affected population by mitigating the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

To him, the Lagos State Government has achieved a lot in driving social protection programmes that assist people to meet their basic needs, improve social cohesion and citizen-state relations.

According to him, there was a strong emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable, even as investments have the greatest possible impact on poverty reduction, economic resilience and stability.

Thorpe said the Universal Reward for Residents promoted by the government, represents one of the most generous attempts at reducing the number of Nigerians living in poverty.

According to him, the government was determined to help residents meet basic needs, build family economic security, and access opportunities to create their dreams.

The Chief Executive, CeLD Innovations Limited, Lai Labode said that CashToken creates an avenue for every customer in Lagos to have an opportunity for life-changing cash rewards every Friday night at the National CashToken draws.

The product, according to him, was designed to optimise customer loyalty in investment for business, celebratory gift value optimisation and public emotional equity for the government.

He further explained that the CashToken is an electronic reward and celebratory gift commodity that connects all patronages and gifts in any country’s economy.

It enables every patronage or gift to become a life-changing cash opportunity.

He said the company was partnering with the Lagos State Government to create a performance-based system through which businesses in Lagos will reward consumers’ loyalty.

January 4, 2022
2022: Drama of courts, cases, litigants

Forget satellite TV, 2022 promises true life, box office quality courtroom drama when the courts resume from the Yuletide break. For some, like Evans the suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin awaiting judgment, it is a matter of life and death. For others, such as the Federal Government and the 36 states in their battle over stamp duty collection and recovered loot, the loser could suffer a major hit to its finances. ERIC IKHILAE, ADEBISI ONANUGA and ROBERT EGBE bring to you a few of them, other major matters and national judiciary-related issues that promise to shape the justice sector this year.

Remember the multi-billion naira Paris Club refund case? Or Naira Marley? Or the Danish double murder suspect? What about the alleged N11.79 billion ponzi scam case? Or the 14-year-old corruption trial of an ex-governor? These and other major civil matters and national judiciary-related issues that promise to shape the justice sector, await litigants and the public in the coming days.

Executive Order 10, funding of courts

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver judgment upon its resumption in the new year in a case between the 36 state states and the Federal Government over the dispute on the legality of the Executive Order 10 and the funding of courts created for the states under Section 6 of the Constitution.

It is the plaintiffs’ contention, in the suit marked: SC.655/2020, that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to bear the capital and recurrent expenditure of all courts created under Section 6 of the Constitution.

The states are also arguing that the Executive Order 10 seeks to transfer to them, the responsibility of funding the capital and recurrent expenditures of the courts created for the state under Section 6 of the Constitution – State High Courts, Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal.

In opposition, the Federal Government has argued otherwise and prayed the court to dismiss the suit.

The court had planned to deliver its judgment on December 7, 2021, but had it rescheduled to an unspecified date in the new year.

Stamp duty collection, recovered loots

The Supreme Court is also expected to hear the two pending cases filed by the 36 state governments against the Federal Government.

One relates to the management of funds and assets recovered from looters since 2015, which the states claimed the Federal Government had kept secret from them.

The second, marked: SC/SC/CV/690/2021, in which they are contending, among others, that by virtue of the mandatory provisions of Section 4(2) of the Stamp Duties Act, the states are the sole authority to administer and collect stamp duties on all transactions involving individuals/persons within their respective states.

Ex-Governor Murtala Nyako and others

The Court of Appeal in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment in the appeals by former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, his son, Senator Abdulaziz, and others.

Nyako and others, being tried before a Federal High Court in Abuja on money laundering related charges, had appealed the trial court’s ruling rejecting their no-case submission.

The Court of Appeal heard their separate appeals late 2021 and reserved judgment to a date to be communicated to parties.

14-year-old alleged corruption trial

A former Governor of Jigawa State, Saminu Turaki, showed up for his alleged corruption trial on December 7, 2021, the first time in years since the matter began in 2007.

Turaki appeared at the Dutse Division of the Federal High Court in Jigawa State, to face the 32-count corruption charge pending against him and his co-defendants.

The December 7 proceedings took place before a judge who was newly assigned the case, Justice Hassan Dikko. The re-assignment of the case to Justice Dikko followed the retirement of Justice Sabiu Yahuza, from the Federal High Court’s Bench.

Jusice Yahuza’s retirement necessitated Turaki’s trial, which started in 2007, to start afresh with fresh pleas taken by the defendants.

At his re-arraignment on December 7, the former governor pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts. The judge then adjourned the matter till February 24 and 25, 2022 for trial.

Turaki, who served two terms as governor of Jigawa, from 1999 to 2007, was first arraigned by the EFCC before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 13, 2007, on a 32-count charge of misappropriating N36 billion while in office.

Following his arraignment, he was granted bail in the sum of N100 million.

IPOB’s Kanu

Proceedings are expected to resume on January 18, in the treasonable felony case involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako fixed the date on December 2, 2021 after hearing an application by Kanu’s lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor for the hearing date to be brought forward from their earlier date of January 19, 2022.

Oronsaye and Oyo-Ita

The trial of former Heads of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Stephen Oronsaye and Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, on money laundering-related offences will resume before the Federal High Court in Abuja this year.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had granted a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for permission to appeal a ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja in the trial of Oronsaye and others on fraud related charges.

Those being tried with Oronsaye in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/297/2015 are: Osarenkhoe Afe, Frederick Hamilton Global Services Limited, Cluster Logistics Limited, Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited and Drew Investment & Construction Company Limited.

Mrs. Oyo-Ita is charged with Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Garba Umar, Slopes International Limited, Gooddeal Investments Limited, Ubong Okon Effiok, U & U Global Services Limited and Prince Mega Logistics Limited for allegedly being involved in N570m fraud.

They are being prosecuted by the EFCC before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Imo State Deputy Speaker

On December 16, 2021, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja issued an arrest warrant against the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, over his alleged involvement in a N75 million fraud.

Justice Charles Agbaza, in a ruling, directed the Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) headquarters, Abuja to execute the arrest warrant so issued and produce him in court on January 13, for his arraignment.

Justice Agabza issued the orders following Iwuanyanwu’s failure to appear in court to answer to the four-count charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

In the charge marked: CR/230/201, Iwuanyanwu and a firm, Sungold Estate Ltd, were alleged to have defrauded Wanogan Farm Ltd to the tune of N75 million by allegely making dishonest and fraudulent claims in respect of a property known as “Heroes Place, Plot 145 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Ex-NSITF boss Olejeme

The trial of the ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme is expected to resume early before Justice Maryam Hassan Aliyu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja

Olejeme, who was once a finance director of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign organisation, is being tried for allegedly laundering N3 billion.

Paris Club refund case

Hearing is expected to open on February 15, in the case by the 36 state governments, with which they are challenging the decision of the Federal Government to deduct $418 million monthly from their allocation from the Federation Account to settle their contractual obligations in relation to the Paris Club refund.

The states, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1313/2021, filed through their Attorneys-General, are contending, among others, that they were not parties to the case which resulted in a judgment that ordered the Federal Government to make deductions from the states’ allocations to settle debt allegedly owed consultants by the states.

The case is pending before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Death of Sylvester Omoroni

The needless death of a 12-year- old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, Sylvester Omoroni, in December, turned the society’s attention to the courts for justice. Omoroni reportedly died as a result of bullying and torture allegedly meted on him by some senior students for refusing to join a cult group.

So far, five students of the college suspected to be responsible for the death of the students have been arrested and are under investigation by the police.

A coroner inquest has also been inaugurated to ascertain the cause of death. The suspects were granted bail in the sum of N1 million each by a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court pending conclusion of police investigation and the coroner inquest.

Baba Ijesha

The society was jolted during the second quarter of the year when a popular Nollywood actor, James Olanrewaju a.k.a Baba Ijesha, was accused of child defilement by a comedienne, Damilola Adekoya a.k.a Princess, with video evidence to boot.

Baba Ijesha was subsequently charged before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, after police investigation, on a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

In the course of trial, he refuted his confessional statement, alleging torture, but the statement was admitted as an exhibit following a trial-within-trial.

Baba Ijesha is now set to enter a “no case submission” when proceedings resume on January 26.

Ikoyi building collapse

The coroner inquest into the collapse of a 22-storey high-rise building on Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos will resume sitting January 12.

Forty-six persons, including the owner of the building, Femi Osibona, the contractor of the project and Managing Director of Fourscore Heights Ltd, lost their lives in the tragedy.

At the last sitting of the coroner court in the third week of last December, a structura engineer and the Managing Director of Prowess Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Muritala Olawale, was scheduled to continue his testimony on the collapsed building. But proceedings were stalled due to a power outage.

Fani-Kayode forgery charge

The new year will witness the commencement of the 12-count charge of forgery and fabrication of documents brought against a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

Fani-Kayode’s trial will start on February 23, before Justice O.O. Abike-Dabiri of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The EFCC arraigned Fani-Kayode before the court, following the dismissal of an application in which the defendant questioned the jurisdiction of the court to try him.

He was alleged to have on March 23, 2021 procured one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to execute a document titled “To Whom It May Concern Re: Femi Fani-Kayode (Male/60 years), Hospital: No. 32145“, dated 23rd March 2021, and purported same to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.

Fani-Kayode pleaded not guilty to all the 12 counts.

Following an oral application by his counsel, Wale Balogun, Justice Abike-Dabiri granted him bail in the sum of N5 million and one surety in lìke sum and adjourned till February 23, 25 and 28, 2022 for trial.

Finally, Justice for kidnap victims?

After years of proceedings, Justice Hakeem Oshodi will on February 25, deliver judgment in one of the five cases bordering on kidnapping brought against suspected kidnap kingpin and billionare Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (alias Evans).

Evans was charged alongside Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba for allegedly kidnapping Donatus Dunu, the managing director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Limited on February 14, 2017.

Evans’ trial before other judges

Apart from his trial before Justice Oshodi, Evans and some other suspects have two cases each bordering on kidnapping, attempted murder and murder before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo ìn Ikeja and Justice Adedayo Akintoye in Lagos.

The two kidnap cases before Justice Akintoye, for instance, will come up on January 21m while the two cases before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo will come up on February 4.

Fayose

The EFCC, on December 2, re-arraigned the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and his company, Spotless Limited, on an amended 11-count charge in November.

In the amended charge, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele, who is also standing trial on alleged money laundering offences before another division of the court, were alleged to have on June 17, 2014, taken possession of N1.219 billion, to fund Fayose’s 2014 governorship campaign in Ekiti State.

They were accused of committing criminal breach of trust, theft and stealing of public funds.

Among other charges, they were alleged to have, on the same June 17, 2014, without going through financial institutions, received $5 million from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who was then Minister of State for Defence

They pleaded not guilty to all the 11 counts.

The EFCC first arraigned Fayose on October 22, 2018, for an alleged fraud of N2.2billion before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, six days after he completed his tenure as governor.

The case has lingered for close to four years, for a variety of reasons.

Rickey Tarfa

A Senior Advocate of NigeriaTarfa (SAN), Rickey Tarfa, will on January 28 open his defence at a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, in the charge of alleged perversion of the course of justice by the EFCC before Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

Tarfa is facing a 26-count charge bordering on offering monetary gratification to two judges of the Federal High Court, Justices Hyeladzira Nganjiwa and Mohammed Yunusa.

At the last adjourned date, trial was stalled due to the absence of the defence. Justice Adedayo Akintoye, however, adjourned the case till January 28, for further hearing.

Tarfa did not attend court proceedings all through 2019 due to ill health. His counsel, AbiodunOwonikoko (SAN), had applied to the court for extension of time to allow his client recuperate before attending court’s proceedings.

He was arraigned by the EFCC on March 9, 2016 and subsequently re-arraigned on November 16, 2016 on an amended charge.

The anti-graft agency claimed that between June 27, 2012 and January 8, 2016, Tarfa paid N5.3 million in several tranches into Justice Nganjiwa’s bank account.

He was also accused of paying into Justice Yunusa’s account N800,000 in three tranches, between February 9 and November 30, 2015.

Tarfa pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognisance.

The EFCC has since closed its case, following which Tarfa opened his defence but became ill in the process.

Naira Marley’s trial resumes after 78 days

A Federal High Court in Lagos will on February 16 resume the trial of a popular musician, Azeez Fashola, a.k.a Naira Marleym after a 78-day adjournment.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo fixed the date on November 30, 2021 following the absence of an EFCC witness, Mr. Augustine Anosike, which stalled the resumption of Marley’s trial for alleged cybercrime.

Anosike, a forensic analyst, is testifying as a second prosecution witness in the case.

Marley, who was arrested by the EFCC on May 14, 2019, has been standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on the offence. According to the EFCC, the defendant committed the offences on different dates between November 26, 2018 and December 11, 2018, as well as May 10, 2019.

The EFCC claimed that some of the credit cards discovered in Marley’s residence bore the fictitious names Nicole Louise Malyon and Timea Fedorne Tatar.

These, the agency alleged, were used in furtherance of internet scams.

Marley, who sang the hit songs ‘Soapy’ and ‘Am I a Yahoo Boy’, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on May 20, 2019 and is out on bail.

Trial has since commenced in the case and Anosike, who concluded his examination in chief on October 27, was scheduled for cross-examination.

Following the parties’ agreement, the court adjourned till February 16 and February 17, for continuation of trial.

The court vacated the previous date of December 14, on the ground that the date was no longer available for the court, following activities for the new legal year.

Ajetunmobi couple’s N11.79b alleged scam trial

A husband and wife, Bamise and Elizabeth Ajetunmobi, and their two firms – Imagine Global Holding Company Limited, Imagine Global Solutions Limited – are expected to feature prominently this year in a suit by aggrieved investors seeking to recover N11,795,090,000 they claimed they lost to an investment scam by the defendants.

At the last proceedings on November 11, 2021, a Lagos High Court in Ikoyi ordered all commercial banks to furnish it with comprehensive statements of account of Imagine Global Holding Company Limited, Imagine Global Solutions Limited and the Ajetunmobi couple within seven days.

Last October, Antiguan authorities confirmed that the couple are citizens of the country.

“Both Bamise Ajetunmobi and Elizabeth Ajetunmobi were granted citizenship in April 2021, having applied under the Citizenship by Investment Programme,” Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit said in a statement.

Three problems NBA will focus on in 2022

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olumide Akpata on New Year’s Day unveiled the three thorny issues his administration will focus on this year.

They are the slow pace of administration of justice and the unpleasant experience of court users. The second is remuneration of lawyers and scale of charges for legal services. The last is under-employment and unemployment of lawyers.

Akpata said: “Although we have been working on these issues in varying degrees, we intend to double our efforts this year to ensure that these issues are resolved or, at least, we will lay the foundation for their resolution even beyond our term in office.

“The first is the slow pace of administration of justice and the unpleasant experience of many of our members who use the courts. On this, our NBA Judiucary Committee led by my friend and brother, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, has been working relentlessly for possible solutions since we set up that committee. I have the assurances of the committee that, on account of their work, we will begin to see changes at our courts during the year through their court monitoring activities and other high-level engagements.

“The second is remuneration of lawyers and scale of charges for legal services. I quite understand the apprehension of our members in this regard, and I can confirm that the Anthony Nwaochei-led NBA Remuneration Committee has done considerable work on this issue and is putting finishing touches on its proposals. Once this is concluded, and we have the approval of the NBA-NEC, we will make the recommendations and implementation strategies of the Remuneration Committee public and commence enforcement.

“The third is under-employment and unemployment of lawyers. While this is a macroeconomic issue and cuts across all professions, we are cognisant of the fact that the NBA can galvanise and play a role in reducing the trend within the legal profession. Our current approach in dealing with this has been largely through our efforts at helping lawyers expand the scope of their practice and become more active in other areas of law outside of our current traditional practice areas. The NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education under the able leadership of Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe has been doing an excellent job in this respect on behalf of the NBA.

“This year, we will give more institutional attention to the issue of underemployment/unemployment within the profession and devise other practical means of dealing with the conundrum, to the extent that it is within the powers of the NBA to do so. Some of our approaches may not yield the desired results in the short term, but with sustained efforts, I am confident that we will achieve our objectives in the mid to long term.

January 4, 2022
JUST IN: IPOB bans cows in Southeast

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday said cows reared by Fulani herdsmen would no longer be used for any social event in the Southest.

The group stated this in a New Year address by its Head of Directorate Mazi Chika Edoziem through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

The ban, IPOB said, would take effect from April.

Read Also: IPOB: our members now endangered

It said only native cows would be allowed in the region for such events.

It urged traditional rulers, the clergy and town unions to ensure the message reaches the grassroots.

The group said: “The ban placed on Fulani cows will take effect in April 2022.

“Effective that month, Fulani cows will not be used for any social or ceremonial events and festival in Biafraland.

“Our native cows will be used instead for these events.

“Traditional custodians of our culture, the clergy and town unions must ensure that this message gets to the grassroots.”

January 3, 2022
New Olubadan likely this week
By Bisi Oladele, Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan, Alao Abiodun, Bolaji Ogundele, Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
- Olubadan dies, buried
- Buhari, governors, Tinubu, others pay tributes
- Balogun to ascend throne
A new Olubadan of Ibadan may be named this week, following the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji.

The first class monarch, who joined his ancestors yesterday after a brief illness, was buried around 4pm at his Popoyemoja Palace; Ibadan, Oyo State capital. He was 93.

Eminent Nigerians, top government officials, led by Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, and many indigenes witnessed the burial conducted by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere.

A government source disclosed to The Nation that the palace would write the Ibadan West Council today informing it officially of Oba Adetunji’s demise. The letter, it was learnt, would also inform the council of his burial and declare the Olubadan stool open.

However, a source close to the Olubadan-in-Council, said the council may wait for the completion of the 8th day fidau for the late monarch after which the high chiefs would meet to choose the new Olubadan.

It was learnt that two members of the council – the Eekarun Balogun and Eekarun Olubadan – will be excluded because they are not kingmakers.

According to the chieftaincy declaration, the next-in-line will be chosen, except there is a strong objection based on disability or question of integrity.

High Chief Lekan Balogun, who is the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, is next in rank to the Olubadan. He is expected to be crowned as the new Olubadan.

Read Also: How next Olubadan of Ibadan will emerge

Dr. Balogun, former university lecturer and senator, was the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in Oyo State during the Second Republic.

The late Oba Adetunji was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2017 after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade.

Born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, he was the eldest of his father’s 17 children.

His mother came from the Balogun family of Apomu while his father was a renowned Ibadan indigene.

Explaining how the monarch passed on, his media aide, Adeola Oloko, said: “It was around 1am that Kabiyesi passed on.

“Around 9pm (Saturday), he was first taken to a private hospital, before he was taken to UCH, Ibadan, around 1am. Thereafter he passed on.

“Baba passed on after a brief illness. He spent about five to six days at the hospital.”

Also in a statement entitled: “Olubadan passes on, to be buried today”, Oloko said: “The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, has joined his ancestor.

“Oba Adetunji, 93, passed away in the early hours of this morning (yesterday) at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

“He is survived by his wife, Olori Rashidat Ololade Adetunji, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be buried at 4.00 pm today at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan Palace according to Muslim rites. Other things follow later.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, governors, Asiwaju Bola TInubu and other eminent Nigeria have condoled with the government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan over the loss.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari charged the people of Ibadan, especially the royal family and the Olubadan-in-Council, to preserve the virtues of devotion to unity, peace and tolerance that Oba Adetunji was known for.

The President said the death of the monarch, whom he described as a visionary and compassionate leader, has created a huge void in traditional leadership in the country.

“President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, the royal family, the Olubadan-in-council and the people of Ibadan on the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

“The President affirms that the late Kabiyesi was a visionary and compassionate leader, who used the spheres of his influence as a respected traditional ruler and a lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraging and motivating them to give their best in their vocation and to the nation.

“While his demise understandably leaves a huge void to fill, the President urges the people of Ibadan and Nigerians from different walks of life to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing the virtues he cherished so much: generosity, peace, tolerance and devotion to unity.

“As the funeral rites of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland get underway in Ibadan, the President trusts that the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding and good judment that exemplified the life he lived.

“President Buhari prays God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind”, the statement said.

Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over the demise, nothing that he provided good leadership as an exemplary leader with uncommon love for his people.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker sent his condolences to the Olubadan royal family, the people and government of Oyo State.

He prayed God to find a peaceful resting place for the late Olubadan and console his family and subjects over the loss.
January 3, 2022
Why Buhari signed 2022 budget, by Presidency

The Presidency has explained that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the 2022 budget despite his reservation over the insertion of 6,576 contracts into it by the National Assembly.

It also denounced the interpretations of Buhari misgivings about the inclusion of the contracts as a sign of a battle between the Executive and the Legislature.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said in a statement yesterday, that the President signed the bill in order not to “throw away the baby with the bathwater.”

Shehu however hinted that amendment to the 2022 Amendment Budget was in the offing.

He said: “Given Mr. President’s commitment to improving the lot of the common man, it was felt that it would not be wise to throw away the baby with the bathwater.

“Mr. President was clear and candid in expressing his reservations with the numerous changes to the 2022 Budget made by the National Assembly, which would hamper its implementation.

Read Also: Buhari rejects NASS’ insertion of 6,576 projects in 2022 budget

“However, to respond to critics that question why assent to the budget if it was so severely tampered with, we wish to respond as follows:

*need to Save Value-Additive Projects, Programmes and Policies;

*although over 10,733 projects were reduced and 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly, there are tens of thousands more provisions in the 2022 Budget, all of which, when efficiently and effectively implemented, will have significant developmental impact on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

*Ongoing capital projects, critical recurrent votes, priority new projects – all feature in the 2022 Budget and Mr. President’s forbearance in assenting to the Budget will save these provisions from implementation delays and other challenges; and

*Dealing with modern democratic norms: President Buhari is a democrat who deeply believes in the supremacy of the Constitution, with its checks and balances across the three arms of Government.”

The Presidential spokesman maintained that while it is true that Buhari also expressed disagreement with other alterations, including the ‘reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment Projects,’ “innumerable lies are being spread about his (President) being ‘angry’ at the parliament.

“This cannot be farther from the truth,” he added.

Shehu pointed out that as Senate Ahmed Lawan said shortly after the budget signing, disagreements as the ones listed by Buhari are normal in the everyday Executive-Parliamentary relationships

He added: “While we note that there are people who are trying to create a fiasco between the two arms of government on account of the budget, we assure that they will, in the end, be disappointed.

”The Executive and the 9th National Assembly have since moved away from the wild, destructive political games of the past, conducting themselves in a way that puts national interest supreme in their decisions.”

January 3, 2022
Abiola’s opponent Bashir Tofa dies

A former presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the 1993 election, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, is dead.

He reportedly died after a brief illness in the early hours of Monday at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Tofa was born in June 20, 1947.

In the 1993 presidential election, he contested against Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who was the presumed winner of the election.

The Ibrahim Babangida military regime annulled the election, sparking nationwide protests.

Tofa was a businessman, an oil trader and industrialist.

He was chairman of International Petro-Energy Company (IPEC) and Abba Othman and Sons ltd.

He was also involved as a board member in Impex Ventures, Century Merchant Bank and General Metal Products ltd.

He had his primary education at Shahuci Junior Primary, Kano and then continued studies at City Senior Primary School in Kano.

From 1962 to 1966, he attended Provincial College, Kano.

After completing his studies at the Provincial school, he worked for Royal Exchange Insurance company from 1967 to 1968.

Read Also: Singer Slim Joe dies of kidney failure

From 1970 to 1973, he attended City of London College.

Tofa’s sojourn into politics started in 1976 when he was a councilor of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council.

In 1977, he was elected a member into the Constituent Assembly.

During the Second Republic, Tofa was at various times the secretary of the Kano branch of NPN.

He later became the party’s national financial secretary and was a national member of the Green Revolution National Committee.

During the Third Republic, he was part of the Liberal Movement which metamorphosed to Liberal Convention when it was not registered as a political party.

Tofa joined NRC in 1990.

In 1993, when the Babangida administration introduced the Option A4 system, Tofa was elected the presidential candidate.

During the party primaries, he defeated Pere Ajunwa, Joe Nwodo and Dalhatu Tafida to clinch the NRC ticket.

He was an ally of Halilu Akilu, the security chief at the time.

His running mate in the election was Sylvester Ugoh, an Igbo and a former governor of the now defunct central bank of Biafra.

Both were members of the defunct National Party of Nigeria.

January 3, 2022
Buhari: states fighting lost battle on $418m Paris Club cash

If the position of President Muhammadu Buhari is anything to go by, the suit filed by state governments seeking to stop deductions from their monthly allocations to fund debts associated with Paris Club refunds is an exercise in futility.

The states, the President said, are fighting a lost battle because they brought the trouble on themselves by failing to pay the consultants they engaged, thereby forcing the consultants to obtain court judgments against them and the Federal Government.

President Buhari’s position is shared by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), the Ministry of Finance incorporated and the Debt Management Office (DMO), as the second, third, fourth and sixth defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1313/2021 filed by the states to challenge the propriety of the deductions.

In the court documents filed on their behalf by a team of lawyers, led by Mrs. Maimuna Shiru, Acting Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice, they argued that, having admitted engaging the consultants, consented to most of the court judgments now sought to be executed by the consultants, the states cannot now oppose the Federal Government’s decisions to effect the deductions to settle what the states and local government areas owe the same consultants.

The President, who is sued as the first defendant, and the other four, claimed that the suit was an attempt by the states to evade liability, having benefited from the services of the consultants.

Read Also; Paris Club refund: Governors fail to stop $418m deduction

Identifying some of the consultants to include: Linas International, Riok Nig Ltd, Dr. Ted Iseghohi-Edwards, Ned Munir Nwoko and Panic Alert Security System, they argued that at no time had both NGF and ALGON denied engaging the consultants nor denied the existence of the judgments or orders “which they have been aware of since they were delivered, but took no steps to either comply with them or challenge them by way of appeal.

“At the moment, there is no pending appeal or order for stay of execution against any of the judgments or garnishee orders absolute, either at the instance of the plaintiffs, the NGF, ALGON or any other entity

“The 36 state governors, who have been operating under the aegis of the NGF in receiving payments under the Paris Club refunds, engaging consultants, executing terms of settlement leading to consent judgments, have now turned around to sue via their state Attorneys-General in order to circumvent existing legal liabilities.”

The President and others noted the seeming conflicting roles some lawyers were playing in the dispute.

They observed that majority of the senior lawyers currently engaged by the states to handle their current case, intended to scuttle the planned deductions, were involved in the cases resulting in the judgments obtained by the consultants.

“All the learned silks (Senior Advocates of Nigeria) representing the plaintiffs in the instant suit have also represented the NGF in various litigations over the years on the same subject matter, which shows that they and the plaintiffs were fully aware of the issues at stake and did not, at any time before now, seek to differentiate between the plaintiffs and the NGF in respect of the transactions,” they said

The President and others referred to one of such cases, marked: CA/A/521/2016 in which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) attempted, but failed, at the Court of Appeal, to set aside a garnishee order absolute got against it by Linas International and 250 others in relation to one of the judgments.

They said: “It is instructive to note that Ahmed Raji (SAN), who is now one of the senior counsel to the plaintiffs, represented the garnishee (CBN) in the above garnishee proceedings before this honourable court and even presently before the Supreme Court.”

The President and others, while querying the competence of the suit, insisted on proceeding with the planned deductions, arguing that the federal government’s decision was in compliance existing judgments and orders of courts.

The plaintiffs said: “The sum of US$418million under reference is a product of judgment debts arising from different subsisting judgments in respect of which there is no appeal, and the enforcement of which does not require the consent of the plaintiffs.

“With respect to the judgment debts arising from deductions and refunds to the state governments, all the plaintiffs herein were privy thereto as they acted through their proxy and agent, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

“The decision to settle these judgment debts via promissory notes was resorted to in order to ease revenue pressures, however, since these judgment debts remain the liabilities of NGF/states and ALGON/Local Governments, deductions needed to be made from their funds to finance the promissory notes as the judgments were against both the states and local governments.

“In view of the extant consents/authorisation for deductions already given to the federal government, neither the states nor the Local Governments can complain on the timing or manner or mode of complying with the judgments, the last of which was delivered three years ago in 2018.

“The previous failed attempts at enforcing any of the subsisting judgments by any of the judgment creditors or beneficiaries of the promissory notes is not a ground for the Federal Government not to comply with subsisting judgments.

“A monetary judgment becomes executory or enforceable immediately upon delivery, except where otherwise stated, which is not the case with the judgments in this case.”

On December 21, the planned hearing of substantive case along with the objections raised by the defendants became impossible in view of the non-conclusion of the necessary filings by parties, a development that made Justice Inyang Ekwo to reschedule hearing for February 15.

January 3, 2022