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Alleged N38b theft: Apex court okays ex-bank chiefs for trial

Former Managing Director of defunct Finbank Plc Okey Nwosu and three Executive directors of the bank – Dayo Famoroti, Agnes Ebubedike and Danjuma Ocholi –– have lost their bid to quash the charge of stealing brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Supreme Court, on Friday, upheld the appeal by EFCC and set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos division, which quashed the charge on the grounds that it was an abuse of court process.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgment by a seven-man panel, faulted the Court of Appeal’s finding that the decision by the EFCC to charge the four bankers with stealing at the Lagos High Court, while maintaining a charge of money laundering against them on related facts at the Federal High Court, would expose them to double jeopardy.

The court directed the bankers to submit themselves for trial. It remitted the case to the Lagos State chief judge for expeditious trial.

The lead judgment on the appeal was used to decide two other appeals on similar issues,

Justice Musa Datijo Muhammad, in the lead judgment, held that it was unreasonable to suggest that the prosecution of the respondents by the appellant was aimed at either irritating or annoying them or a bid by the prosecution to stall justice.

Based on a petition by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), accusing the bankers of “financial misappropriation and false misrepresentation of financial records” during their tenure in Finbank, the anti-graft agency conducted an investigation and made startling findings.

The EFCC found, among others, that the respondents had allegedly incorporated seven pseudo companies and transferred funds from Finbank to the fake companies through two separate broker firms.

The anti-graft agency also found out that the bank’s funds in excess of N20 billion were transferred through Springboard Trust and Investment Limited, ostensibly as loans to the seven fake companies although the companies neither maintained any accounts with the bank nor applied for any such loans.

The commission further discovered that over N18 billion was illegally transferred to another stockbroking company, Integrated Trust Investment Company Limited, which was utilised by the company to acquire several shares of Finbank in the names of the seven pseudo companies incorporated by the respondents.

Following its findings, the EFCC charged them at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on money laundering charges. It subsequently initiated another charge of stealing against them at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, having obtained a fiat from the Lagos State attorney general.

Nwosu and others challenged the charge at the Lagos High Court on the grounds that it was an abuse of court process and would expose them to double jeopardy. The Lagos High Court dismissed their objection.

They appealed to the Court of Appeal, Lagos division, and won, leading to the appellate court quashing the charge against them; a decision the EFCC appealed at the Supreme Court.

On Friday, Justice Muhammad said: “The two courts, as earlier demonstrated in this judgment, enjoys, in terms of respective offences before them, mutually exclusive jurisdictions.

“The one is limited to hearing and dealing with offences created by the National Assembly in respect of its area of competence, while the other is competent to determine only such offences that Lagos House of Assembly, in its area of competence, legislated upon and vests it with jurisdiction.

“Besides, the offence of stealing as created by the Lagos State House of Assembly, notwithstanding the same or similar facts as constitutes other offences created by the National Assembly, retains its identity as being not only dissimilar, but distinctively different.

“It is wrong, in the light of these characteristic, for the lower court to hold that the trial court’s jurisdiction has abated on the grounds that the proceedings before it against the defendants constitutes abuse of the process of that court,” it said.

The court further held that the rule of double jeopardy, as contained in Section 36(9) of the1999 Constitution cannot avail the respondents having been unable to prove that they are being prosecuted for the same or substantially, the same offence at the Lagos High Court and the Federal High Court.

“Accordingly, this meritorious appeal is allowed, and the perverse judgment of the lower court is set aside. The decision of the trial court in consequence, prevails,” it said.

The court remitted the case to the Lagos State chief judge for expeditious trial of the defendants on the charge.

Justices Walter Samuel Onnoghen, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Chima Centus Nweze and Amiru Sanusi agreed with the lead judgment.

July 4, 2016
$15b arms deals: Report indicts ex-military chiefs

Buhari, panel’s chairman meet

DSS files report on detained Air Cdr.

Some former military chiefs are likely to be invited over some suspicious arms contracts, The Nation learnt yesterday.

They are among those indicted by the Presidential Committee on the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces, a source said.

The committee is ready with its report on arms deals in the Army.

The panel, headed by Air Vice Marshal JON Ode, is expected to submit its report this week to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The audit report on procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector covers 2007 to 2015.

Some former Chiefs of Army Staff may be asked to respond to some issues in the report.

Ahead of the submission of the report, the chairman of the panel on Friday met with the President on some recommendations and the detention of one of its members, Air Commodore Mohammed Umar(retd.)

Umar is said to be central to the breakthrough recorded by the panel on some high-profile fraud.

The Air Commodore was arrested on June 19 by the Department of State Service (DSS). About $1,030,000 was reportedly found at his residence in Maitama District, Abuja.

The DSS has been working on clues that Umar might have taken “advantage of his membership of the Arms Panel” to extort suspects.

But Umar insisted that the money was payment to his company, Easy Jet Integrated Service Limited, for cargo flights to Houston and Hong Kong.

He said the payment on 12 May 2016 was for: Cargo flight (Ilyusin II-76 cargo plane from Nairobi-Houston) at $520,000 and drop-off from Nairobi-Hong Kong at $510,000.

The DSS is, however, still probing Air Commodore Umar.

A source told our correspondent that the Ode Panel was ready with what he described as an “explosive” report.

The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: “Certainly, heads will roll as it was the case when a similar outcome was presented to the Presidency on the Nigerian Air Force.”

The source said the panel’s chairman met with the President in company of the National Security Adviser(NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd).

“I think the panel had issues with the DSS over the arrest of Air Commodore Umar who is said to be central to the bursting of high-profile arms scandals. He was worried that Umar’s detention had to do with plans by some forces planning to destroy the panel.

“He made known his intention and that of other panel members to abandon the work over what they termed the unfair treatment of Air Commodore Umar,” the source said, adding:

“You know these people have presented their report on Air Force on the basis of which Badeh and other Air Force chiefs are now on trial. They were preparing to submit this week that of the Army, which has indicted many people.

“The detention of Umar was seen by the panel as part of a sinister ploy to get at the committee and rubbish all that we have done. And the Air Commodore, being a key member of the committee, knows too much and has a lot of documents that aided our work. That is why some are jittery.”

“Umar was instrumental to the early success of the committee as he used his personal money to hire foreign experts on forensics and arms procurement to help the committee in unearthing alleged frauds committed over the years.”

Apart from the chairman of the panel, some senior government officials and other individuals close to the President are said to have been angered by what they called “shabby and disgraceful treatment meted out to Umar for no just cause and allegations that cannot be proven”.

A delegation of five governors led by Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was said to have met President Buhari on Thursday to complain about the travails of the retired military officer and the implications of what they called “the power game” on the government.

Some of the items recovered by the DSS from the residence of the Air Commodore on June 19, 2016 are 13 vehicles; various denominations of both foreign and local currencies; one bag containing documents; one Black Star Express bag containing documents; a laptop; a document containing details of disbursements made by the Armed Forces and security agencies, Volume 1-3; document on contract for Niger Armec EE Niger; document on Nigerian Air Force Holding Company(NAFHC) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria; two files of Nigerian Air Force Properties Limited documents; and one file of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Also listed are two Pump Action guns.

The DSS has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja on Air Commodore Umar to ensure that his detention is in line with the law.

Umar is undergoing investigation for alleged illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

The FIR reads in part: “Illegal possession of firearms and money laundering contrary to Section 27(1) (b) (i) of the Firearms Act Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 15(1) (d) (e) of the Money Laundering Act Cap. M18 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“Enquiries by the State Security Service revealed that Air Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd) has in his possession two Pump Action guns with Serial Numbers 09/1573 and 397 without a valid licence and large sums of money in local and foreign currencies suggestive of the fact that he received the said monies in contravention of the Money Laundering Act.”

A document sighted by our correspondent revealed that the FCT police on March 10, 2000 granted Mohammed the gun licence in line with The Firearms Act of 1958.

The gun is described as SBSG, 12 Calibre or Bore, made by Magnum with No. 397. The ammunition is cartridge with 100 rounds.

The licence reads: “Licence is hereby granted Air Commodore Mohammed Umar of House No. 4 Lundi Close, off Missisipi Road, Maitama, Abuja to possess and bear the firearm described in the Schedule hereunder. The licence is issued subject to the following terms: Hunting and Gaming. The licence is valid until 31st December, 2010.”

The licence was for a period of 10 years; it was not immediately clear why Umar did not renew it.

He ran into trouble with the DSS for not renewing the said licence.

A source gave an insight into the investigation of Air Commodore Umar by the DSS.

He said: “Air Commodore Umar was a known face in Aso Rock from the time of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua up to the twilight of Jonathan administration.

“A very close ally of Isa Yuguda during the inglorious days of the Cabal operating in the Presidency in the absence of an incapacitated late President Umaru Yar’Adua, under the Buhari administration, he has struck a blossoming partnership with a top security chief.

“There is also pressure on investigators to question him as to how he got the money to float Easy Jet as an Air Commodore?

“An equally important question is why keeping government documentary evidence in personal abode?”

The source spoke of “a cabal fraternising with close aides of the President while also going around to drop the President’s name for favour-seekers.

“The activities of the cabal are gradually becoming an embarrassment to the anti-corruption campaign of the Buhari-led administration.”

The cabal is said to have turned the home of a member of the arms probe panel into a “trial-before-trial” meeting place.

“It will be recalled that former Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu retuned N2.3b to the Federal Government. The EFCC also seized houses belonging to Mr. Amosu worth over N500m, in addition to $140,000 USD in cash with an additional N381m seized from Mr. Amosu’s wife.

“The cabal’s tentacles are growing by the day and might be bigger than what was experienced under any administration in Nigeria.

“The latest onslaught was unleashed on the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari who has been considered a threat to the cabal’s operations. He has been targeted and silenced with a view to successfully isolating the Presidency. Kyari has been side-lined.

But there were rumours last night over plans to save Umar.

A security source said: “Insiders also squealed that an independent team of investigators would be raised to establish the veracity of all allegations against Mohammed Umar.

“This proposed move is to forestall a scandal of unimaginable proportions which could threaten the success of Buhari’s anti-corruption war.”

A source close to Umar debunked all the allegations and described them as baseless.

He said: “These allegations are like wild goose chase. One, how can a person with unblemished military career like Air Cmdr Umar and who is close to the President be accused of terrorism financing? Which terrorists? And because that cannot fly they changed the music.

“The two pump action guns they picked from his house were registered when he procured them in the year 2000. The licence is there. And how can you say someone who has business interests all over the world cannot be found in possession of foreign currencies?

“Air Commodore Umar travels widely. He is a friend of several heads of governments across the world and his two companies, Easy Jet and African Energy, have business interests the world over. And the cars that they found there are vehicles that he bought over the years; some 10 some, some eight, some five years.”

June 27, 2016
EFCC charges ex-Air Force chiefs with N21b fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a money laundering charge against Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (rtd) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

He was charged along with Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga.

Companies named in the charge are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon Health Care Ltd.

EFCC accused them of converting N21billion from the Nigeria Air Force around March 5, 2014 in Lagos.

They were also accused of concealing “proceeds of crime” and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 17(a).

The accused persons were accused of using the companies to convert and conceal the money.

Air Marshal Nunayon and Air Vice Marshal Adigun were said to have, between July 17 and September 16, 2014, allegedly removed over N663.4million from the Nigerian Air Force accounts to purchase properties at 50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and at 93B Shirehall Park, LondonNW4 2QU, United Kingdom.

They were accused of buying 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, with N900million, and a property at Sinari Daranijo in Victoria Island with N1.5billion.

EFCC said they also bought a property named as Cappadol Mall at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II Abuja, for N750million, as well as a property worth over N1.7billion at Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi Lagos, using the airforce’s money.

Other properties they allegedly bought using Air Force’s funds include one at Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja; one at Agadez Street off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja; 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja; and one at 1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja using alleged stolen funds.

Between last March 6 and April 30, the accused allegedly used N428,139,539.00 removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to renovate and purchase medical equipment for Solomon HealthCare Ltd situate at 24th Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos.

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo Isiokuwa, who signed the charge, said 42 witnesses will testify when trial begins.

Count one read: “That You, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil and Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds and Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd on or about the 5th day of March, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N21,467,634,707.43, property of the Nigerian Air Force, which sum was derived from stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

EFCC said the accused converted and concealed the sums, which they “reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing.”

June 27, 2016
Council chair revokes chiefs’ appointments

The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Mustapha Danze has cancelled the appointment of newly upgraded and appointed district and village heads in council until further notice.

Danze, who announced this during the first interactive session with districts and village heads of the council in Gwagwalada stated that the appointments were cancel because it was not approved by the FCT administration.

“Some people have been served with letters of promotion to district or village head without records available in the council or directorate of chieftaincy affairs. We are disassociating ourselves from it. We make them to understand that from the handover note, the upgrading is not accepted,” he said.

The council boss also said that the interacting session was meant to fine tune areas of mutual understanding between the council and the traditional rulers in the area.

“There is need for understanding between the council and the traditiona lrulers. We felt it is important to have interaction with them. We want to tell them that we need their cooperation. We cannot do without them and they cannot do without us, so we can all work for the progress of the area council,” he said.

In his remark at the meeting, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji reminded the chairman of the ten month outstanding allowances of thecouncil traditional rulers.

When FCT Watch contacted the former administration that the upgrade and appointment for district and village heads were not approved by the FCTadministration, the former council scribe, Alhaji Usman Yahaya said that the allegation was false, while stating that due process followed during the upgrade.

June 21, 2016
Council chair revokes chiefs’ appointments

The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Mustapha Danze has cancelled the appointment of newly upgraded and appointed district and village heads in council until further notice.

Danze, who announced this during the first interactive session with districts and village heads of the council in Gwagwalada stated that the appointments were cancel because it was not approved by the FCT administration.

“Some people have been served with letters of promotion to district or village head without records available in the council or directorate of chieftaincy affairs. We are disassociating ourselves from it. We make them to understand that from the handover note, the upgrading is not accepted,” he said.

The council boss also said that the interacting session was meant to fine tune areas of mutual understanding between the council and the traditional rulers in the area.

“There is need for understanding between the council and the traditiona lrulers. We felt it is important to have interaction with them. We want to tell them that we need their cooperation. We cannot do without them and they cannot do without us, so we can all work for the progress of the area council,” he said.

In his remark at the meeting, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji reminded the chairman of the ten month outstanding allowances of thecouncil traditional rulers.

When FCT Watch contacted the former administration that the upgrade and appointment for district and village heads were not approved by the FCTadministration, the former council scribe, Alhaji Usman Yahaya said that the allegation was false, while stating that due process followed during the upgrade.

June 14, 2016
Group condemns Benin chiefs’ comment on Odubu, Obaseki

A group, the Organisation for Greater Edo Project (OGEP), has faulted the call for the disqualification of Edo State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu and Leader of the Economic Team Godwin Obaseki from the governorship race by some Benin chiefs.

Other stakeholders who condemned the call said it was offensive and barbaric, urging the traditional chiefs to refrain from nefarious comments.

Odubu and Obaseki have formally declared their intentions to contest for the governorship. They are mobilising delegates for the primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The shadow poll holds on September 10.

The resolution of the dispute arising from the primary will be done between June 2 and July 4.

Some chiefs have allegedly urged the APC to ban the two aspirants from taking part in the exercise, following violence allegedly involving their campaign organisations.

However, OGEP, in a statement signed by Coordinator, Mr. Godwin Osakwe, described the move by the chiefs as “misplaced, ridiculous, dubious and misleading.”

It added: “More importantly, we insist that the most revered traditional institution in Africa must not (be) smeared with mud by inordinately ambitious individuals.

“This must be resisted by well-meaning and peace-loving citizens of Edo State, all genuine members of the teeming population of our great the All Progressives Congress and highly respected members of the Benin Traditional Council.”

May 20, 2016
‘Supremacy battle’ over Ibadan chiefs

The face-off between Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 over the promotion of nine high chiefs caused a stir before it was resolved by the ancient town’s elders. BISI OLADELE writes on the debacle which many observers described as unexpected.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, will go down in history as a monarch whose tenure witnessed open confrontation with two sitting governors. First was in July, 2010 when the traditional ruler snubbed Alao-Akala, who was on a private visit to his Monatan, Ibadan Palace. Second was alleged promotion of nine high chiefs without approval of Governor Abiola Ajimobi on January 1, this year.

Akala had gone to the palace on a private visit while returning from a routine weekend stay in Ogbomoso, his birth place, on Sunday, July 7, 2010.

But the monarch refused to receive the governor as he claimed that Akala did not book an appointment for that visit.

The governor, who was accompanied on the visit by one of his top aides, was said to have left in anger after waiting for about 45 minutes in the palace.

This time, the traditional ruler is in the “fight” to uphold the promotion of nine high chiefs who were elevated on January 1, this year.

While the Oyo State Government insisted that the promotion and installation were in defiance to its earlier order to subject the chiefs to security and medical examinations as required by the Chieftaincy Laws of the state, the monarch insisted that he did not receive the letter conveying the order. Besides, he said promotion of chiefs does not require approval of the governor.

But the government handed down a 24-hour ultimatum on Monday, January 4 to the Olubadan to reverse the promotion or face sanctions. The development took the state by the storm, raising many questions.

Conversely, some also wondered why the Olubadan-In-Council ignored an order for the chiefs to observe the law in the promotion of the chiefs.

What the law says

Part 2, Sections 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 of the Chieftaincy Law, CAP 28, Laws of Oyo State, 2000 specify the procedure for appointing chiefs.

According to the law, the council (now Olubadan-In-Council) is empowered to notify the local government (Ibadan South East in this case) in writing on the vacancies that existed by reason of the deaths of chiefs Sulaiman Omiyale, the Balogun of Ibadan and Omowale Kuye, the Otun Olubadan, in November last year.

According to the law, the council is to seek the approval of the governor for the appointment of those to replace them and others to move up the chieftaincy ladder.

In the current debacle, the process was followed. But the governor wrote back, ordering the nine chiefs to obtain security and health clearance to ascertain their fitness for the new and higher titles in line with Section 14 (2) of the Law.

Crux of the matter

The Law states: “No person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a recognised chieftaincy who: (a) suffers from serious physical infirmity; or (b) has, under any law in force in Nigeria, been found or declared to be a lunatic or adjudged to be of unsound mind; or (c) has, in any part of the Commonwealth: (1) been sentenced to death or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years; or (ii) been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty and sentenced to imprisonment therefore, and has not been granted a free pardon.”

The security and health clearance requested was expected to serve the purpose of establishing that the chiefs were suitably qualified for the promotion as required by law.

While health clearance would ensure that they are mentally okay, the security clearance was to confirm that they have not been convicted or sentenced for a period longer than two years anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Section 19 of the Law also states: “As soon as practicable after the declaration of an appointment, the Secretary of the competent council shall inform the Governor thereof, if the consent of any person is required to the appointment, whether that consent has been granted or withheld.”

Section 20 (1) states: “Subject to the provisions of this section, the Governor may approve or set aside an appointment of a recognised chief. (2). The Governor shall not approve or set aside an appointment within the period of 21 days after notification in accordance with Section 19, and during that period: (a) an unsuccessful candidate; or (b) a ruling house in respect of the chieftaincy which alleges that the proper order of rotation has not been observed, may make representations to the governor in the manner prescribed that the appointment be set aside.

The sections as well as Section 21 also stipulate the steps to be followed in approving or setting aside an appointment.

Section 20 (3) states: “In determining whether to approve or set aside an appointment under this section, the Governor may have regard to:

(a) whether the provisions of section 15 or section 16 have been complied with;

(b) whether any candidate was qualified or disqualified in accordance with the provisions of section 14;

(c) whether the customary law relating to the appointment has been complied with;

(d) whether the kingmakers, in the case of a ruling house chieftaincy, had due regard to the ability, character or popular support of any candidate or (e) whether the appointment was obtained corruptly or by the undue influence of any person.”

Political interpretation

Observers within and outside the state largely believe that the issue was more political than traditional or procedural.

Analysts also pointed out that Governor Ajimobi was allegedly behind the move to enforce scrutiny because of inclusion of some members of the opposition in the group of nine chiefs. They are chiefs Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party, who has contested against Ajimobi twice and was defeated, and Chief Lekan Balogun, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ladoja is currently at the Supreme Court challenging Ajimobi’s victory in the April 11, 2015 governorship election.

Again, some observers wonder what damage Ladoja’s and Balogun’s promotion could do to Ajimobi after winning election twice.

But a source close to Ajimobi brushed aside the idea. The source insisted that the governor was only bringing orderliness to the system. “He only wanted due process to be followed,” the source said.

According to the source, the recent issue assumed political dimension only because of the politician involved.

According to him, when Ladoja was elevated along with others on August 23, 2013, Ajimobi did not raise any highbrow. He gladly approved it because there was no reason to fault the process. “So, that is to show you that the recent action of the governor was not in any way political,” the source said.

While addressing the state civil servants during the inter-faith thanksgiving service on Monday January 11, Ajimobi lampooned those accusing him of trying to stop Ladoja from moving up the ladder. He said having prevented him from becoming governor twice by defeating him at the polls, what on earth would make him deny Ladoja his rights to move closer to becoming Olubadan. After all, he stressed, he was not interested in becoming the Olubadan. He insisted that his administration had to take the step to inject sanity into the system.

The governor emphasised that the issue was purely procedural. He also expressed gratitude to Ibadan elders who waded into the crisis and resolved it amicably.

Intervention of Ibadan elders

Ibadan elders, under the auspices of the Ibadan Elders’ Council (IEC) waded into the debacle 24 hours after the governor’s ultimatum to save the situation. It called a meeting between the two parties at the home of Ambassador Lou Saanu.

After two rounds of meetings, the crisis was amicably resolved with Ajimobi granting provisional approval to the promotion pending the time the chiefs submit their security and health clearance.

A source close to the meeting confided in Southwest Report that it was tough for the elders to broker peace as Ajimobi insisted on not shifting grounds on the strength that the palace willfully ignored his office in the promotion exercise by going against his order for the chiefs to comply with the law.

Conversely, the chiefs were said to have argued that the law did not clearly stipulate that the monarch cannot promote after 21 days of writing to inform the governor on intention to promote.

But after much persuasion, it was learnt that the palace did not do it to spite him but that the two parties interpreted the law differently.

In the end, there was a mutual agreement to satisfy both parties with the provisional approval and the chiefs complying with the law.

January 20, 2016
Ajimobi versus Ibadan chiefs
SIR: It is heart-warming that the misunderstanding between the Oyo State government and Olubadan-in-council over the elevation of some Ibadan chiefs by Oba Odulana Odugade, in defiance of the directive of state government has been put to rest.

My position is that where two elephants fight, the grass always suffers. If the issue is not resolved amicably, the loser may be age-long Ibadan succession system which is an innovation in Africa and if care is not taken, the crisis may be the beginning of the end of the peaceful succession culture. This is why Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oba Odugade and the Ibadan Elders Forum deserve commendations for the maturity displayed.

One of the earliest indigenous professors in Nigeria, Professor N.D. Oyerinde, once noted that the stability, strength, growth and greatness of Ibadan was as a result of its system of succession which was an innovation in Yoruba history, and was evolved to reward service to the community rather than the hereditary system in other towns in Yorubaland. Kudos for the succession system is credited to the founding fathers of Ibadan who were mostly of Oyo stock and warriors. In their wisdom, they thought that to avoid the evil that befell the capital of their country, Oyo-Ile, towards the end of the 18th century, they had to jettison the hereditary system for republican system in their new home.

As a matter of fact, Basorun Oluyole who tried to pave the way for the emergence of his son as his successor was opposed by other leaders. This system has been maintained and sustained for almost 200 years. The benefits of the system to the greatness of Ibadan could not be over-emphasized. The system, unlike in the towns where hereditary kingship system is practiced, is devoid of succession disputes. This particular factor is responsible for the growth and expansion of Ibadan as no contender to the throne left the town to found his own town as common with other towns practicing hereditary kingship system. Moreover, the system encouraged Ibadan indigenes to give in their best in the service of the town, so as to get quick promotion and move up the ladder to become the monarch. Also, the system rewards bravery and service to the community just as it encourages all compounds in Ibadan to be involved in the affairs of the town. This is because every compound can produce Olubadan. Last but not the least, unlike in other towns where Ifa divination, which could be manipulated, council of chiefs which can be compromised, or state government that can be influenced and interferes in the selection of a king, Ibadan succession system does not give room for manipulation of the process. This last point is where in lies the strength of the system and long reign, fearlessness and support enjoyed by the Olubadan.

Therefore, the decision of the Olubadan to promote the chiefs irrespective of the government directive may seem an affront to the government but as the custodian of Ibadan tradition and who will not let the system crash during his reign, he has to jettison the directive. However, no one can fault the position of the government also for insisting on due process in the elevation of the chiefs.
- Adewuyi Adegbite,
ayekooto05@gmail.com.
January 11, 2016
Umahi to council chiefs: no excuses for non-performance

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has challenged chairmen of the local government caretaker committees to remain committed to the provision of democracy dividends to the people at the grassroots.

Umahi spoke when the chairmen paid him New Year homage at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara council. He told them to think outside the box to generate income and not give the economic meltdown as an excuse for non-performance.

The governor encouraged them to have the fear of God and passion for the people at heart.

His words: “God did not make a mistake by bringing you on board at a time like this; you have to sit down and think of what you can do.

“If you fear God and have passion for the people, God will definitely meet you at the point of your needs. So, I challenge all of us, like the economy is challenging us, to do things differently. If you put your mind in stealing money, you will never get anything but if you focus on the people and have passion for them, money will chase you.

January 4, 2016
Ex-military chiefs jittery as arms purchase panel sits
Committee under pressure to hold sessions in camera

The 14-man panel on arms purchase for the Armed Forces, which begins sitting today in Abuja is under pressure to sit in camera “for security reasons”.

The pressure is coming from some of the retired military chiefs who are listed to tell the panel how the cash voted for their offices was spent.

Emissaries are being sent to panel members by the ex-military chiefs.

The Ministry of Defence has exonerated itself from whatever discrepancies that may be found in the arms purchase contracts going by Permanent Secretary Ismaila Aliyu’s statement at the Villa last month that it was sidelined in the arms purchase arrangement. According to him, purchases were made by the office of the national security adviser and the service chiefs.

As a result of this, President Muhammadu Buhari approved that the ministry should get a seat on the panel.

It was gathered that National Security Adviser Gen. Babagana Monguno last week inaugurated the panel behind the scene, in view of the seriousness attached to the task.

The panel, sources said, spent the last few days collating some facts and figures on Defence budget, allocations for arms purchase and valedictory addresses by some past Service Chiefs.

It was learnt that the panel may sit in camera following indications that some disclosures might touch on sensitive matters which might affect national security.

The panel was weighing options last night on whether to throw its sitting open or to restrict coverage to non- sensitive issues.

A highly-placed source said: “The committee will begin its work on Monday (today). All members have been advised accordingly.

“The panel was inaugurated by the Gen. Monguno last Wednesday in line with the mandate of the President.

“At today’s meeting, the panel will work out its modalities and how to go about preliminary paper work, which is in huge volumes.

“The committee has also done some preliminary investigations including retrieval of some relevant documents on arms purchase.

“I think the panel may sit in camera because its assignment touches on national security. There is even pressure on the government for a confidential briefing unless it is extremely necessary to allow the public insights into non-sensitive issues.

“The committee is however weighing options on how best to conduct its assignment without distraction or heating up the polity.”

President Buhari had on August 24 directed the National Security Adviser to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces between 2007 till now.

The panel was initially composed of 13-members before it was expanded with the inclusion of a representative of the Ministry of Defence.

The committee is expected to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.

The government said: “The establishment of the investigative committee is in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service.

“It comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects of troops’ morale.

“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment.”

Members of the panel are AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) – President; R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.); R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.); Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.);Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.);Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.); Cdre T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.);Air Cdre I. Shafi’i ;

Col A.A. Ariyibi ; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC); Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary and a representative of the Ministry of Defence.

Some of the controversial issues likely for investigation are as follows:
- $466.5m contract to weaponize six Puma helicopters by Jonathan administration
- N3billion contract for the supply of six units of K-38 patrol boats to the disbanded Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Security (PICOMSS).
- Theft of over 200m Euros by PICOMMS including the purchase of two private jets
- $9.3m cash-for- arms deal seized by South Africa
- Whereabouts of $1billion loan approved by the 7th Senate for arms purchase to fight Boko Haram
- What became of un-accessed N7b budget for the military
- Contract scam over rehabilitation of the Military Reference Hospital in Kaduna
September 7, 2015