The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC

  • Govt merges three aviation agencies

    Govt merges three aviation agencies

    •EFCC/ICPC merger rejected
    Two government agencies – the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) – have been scrapped.

    Three aviation agencies have been merged into one in the Federal Government’s efforts to streamline its finances. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) are now to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA). Their enabling laws will be amended to reflect the merger.

    These are the highlights of the Federal Government’s White Paper on the report of the Steve Oronsaye Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

    The 105-page document dated March, 2014 was made public yesterday.

    Oronsaye, a former Head of Service of the Federation, submitted the report of his panel to the government on April 16, 2012. It was referred to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, before the White Paper was released yesterday.

    In all, the panel recommended the scrapping or merger of 270 government agencies. Some of the agencies have been approved for commercialisation and privatisation.

    The government rejected the the merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The government also rejected the renaming of the Code of Conduct Tribunal to Anti-Corruption Tribunal.

    But, it accepted that “the trio of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and their respective enabling laws be amended accordingly to reflect the merger.”

    It also accepted that the enabling law of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology be amended and the college restructured.

    While maintaining that JAMB should continue to exist as the central examination body for admissions into Nigerian universities, it directs that JAMB must play its regulatory role to ensure that all students for undergraduate admissions into Nigerian universities, including direct entries, must pass through JAMB.

    The government accepted the recommendation that the Bill seeking for the establishment of NEPAD as an agency of the Federal Government be withdrawn from the National Assembly as there are already laws relating to most of the activities being performed by NEPAD.

    Accepting that the Utilities Charges Commission be abolished and its enabling law repealed, it directed that the process be initiated by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    It accepted the recommendation that the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation be fully commercialised and also accepted the recommendation that the passed bill on the Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Service should not be assented to by the President.

    The government also accepted that the practice whereby certain categories of retirees are opting out of contributory pension scheme be stopped, stating that only the military may withdraw from the scheme.

    The Veterinary Research Council of Nigeria is to be self-funding. Further budgetary allocation to the council should cease forthwith, the government said. It also accepted partial commercialisation of the Nigerian Postal Agency (NIPOST).

    Government shares in NIGCOMSAT are to be sold. The government will retain minority shares. The government also accepted that the functions of NIGCOMSAT that relates to space development be reverted to the National Space Development Agency.

    The Nigerian Institute for Education Planners and Administrators (NIEPA) will be merged with the National Teachers Institute (NTI).

    The Nigerian Film Corporation will be commercialised from the 2013 fiscal year – with the government seed funding. The government accepted that all offices of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies outside Lagos and Abuja be closed down immediately to ensure judicious use of available resources in line with government policy.

    The government accepted that the National Council of Arts and Culture be merged with the National Troupe and the National Theatre into one agency called National Council of Arts and Culture.

    The Federal Government also accepted that the Nigerian Financial Reporting Council ceases to be funded by the government from 2015. It also accepted that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) be self-funding from 2014.

    The allegation made by the National Boundaries Commission against the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation over the funding of two non-existent boundary demarcation will be properly investigated.

    The government accepted the management audit of the National Institute for Sports (NIS).

    But it rejected the recommendation for an amendment in name and status of the Federal Civil Service Commission to the Federal Public Service Commission. The recommendation for a single term of five years for the chairman and members of the commission was accepted.

    Accepting the recommendation for the scrapping of Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), the government also directed the AGF to initiate action for the abolition.

    It directed that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should perform the function of the FRC.

    The government accepted the recommendation that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission’s enabling law be repealed and the functions of the commission subsumed under the RMAFC.

    But the recommendation that Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) be subsumed under the Bureau of Public Enterprises for greater synergy, was rejected.

    Also rejected is the recommendation of the merger of NTA, FRCN and VON into one body to be known as Federal Corporation Broadcasting of Nigeria (FCBN).

    But NTA will be fully commercialised.

    Rejecting the recommendation for the abolition of the Federal Character Commission, the government said that the commission should be strengthened to perform its constitutional role and functions.

    It rejected the recommendation that the law establishing the Border Communities Development Agency be repealed and its functions reverted to the National Boundary Commission.

    The government rejected the recommendation that it should stop funding current expenditure of National Institute on Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) from the 2015 and limit itself to certain essential capital requirement of the institute.

    The merger of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Refugees Commission into one agency to be known as the National Emergency Management and Refugees Commission, was rejected. The government also rejected the recommendation for the Debt Management Office (DMO) to become an extra ministerial department in the Federal Ministry of Finance and delisted from the office of the Vice President.

    It rejected the recommendation that the Act setting up the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) be repealed and also rejected that the Road Safety Commission (FRSC) be reverted to the Highways Department of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    The government also shunned the recommendation that the enabling law of the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS be repealed just as it disagree that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission be abolished and their functions transferred to a department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Besides, the government will not stop sponsoring pilgrims and pilgrimages.

    It also rejected the privatisation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) – in view of the security situation.

    “Government rejects that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the regulatory functions of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)) be brought together under a unified management structure to be known as the Communications Regulatory Authority of Nigeria,” the white paper said.

     

    Also rejected is the recommendation that the Act establishing the National Examinations Council (NECO) be repealed and the Council’s activities returned to the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NEDRC) will not be scrapped. Besides, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) will not be merged to form a single agency for wealth creation.

    The government disagree that the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council be scrapped.

    It rejected the scrapping of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and also the recommendation that that the National Sports Commission (NSC) should revert to the proposed Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as an agency.

  • ‘How co-defendant forged oil marketer’s signature to commit fraud’

    ‘How co-defendant forged oil marketer’s signature to commit fraud’

    A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday heard how the signature of an oil marketer was allegedly forged to perpetrate N1.5billion subsidy fraud.

    A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Oghara Eburu, told the court presided over by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo that the signature of an oil marketer, Ifeanyi Anosike, was allegedly forged by one of the co-defendants to perpetrate N1.5 billion subsidy fraud.

    Mrs. Eburu, an investigative officer with the EFCC, made the admission while testifying at the resumption of the trial of Anosike and co-defendants before Justice Lawal-Akapo.

    EFCC sued Anosike and his firm, Anosyke Group of Companies.

    Other defendants are Emeka Chukwu, Ngozi Ekeoma and Dell Energy Ltd.

    The anti-graft commission alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained the money from the Federal Government for the purported importation of 15, 000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Europe.

    Mrs. Eburu, who was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said Anosyke Group of Companies was issued permit by the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to import fuel under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF).

    The witness said the allocation was obtained by the fourth defendant (Chukwu), under the authority of Anosike, but his company could not execute it.

    She said: “Chukwu went ahead to sell the paper to the third and fifth defendants (Ekeoma and Dell Energy Limited).

    “Anosike claimed not to have knowledge of the sale, but Ekeoma and her company, Dell Energy Limited, executed the transaction in his name and that of his company.”

    Mrs. Eburu said an account was opened at Sterling Bank by the defendants, using Anosyke Group of Companies as the name of the account.

    She said two workers of Dell Energy were listed as the signatories to the account, which was used for the transaction.

    “The requisite documents used for opening the account were provided by Chukwu and submitted to the bank by Ekeoma.

    “One of the documents used was a board resolution, purported to have been signed by Anosike on a letterhead of Anosyke Group of Companies.”

    Mrs. Eburu said further investigation showed that the signature was not that of Anosike.

    The witness said the original letterhead was presented by Anosike to the EFCC to cross-check with the one used for the account opening and was found to be fake.

    “Under forensic examination, it was found that the one used for processing the account was different from those Anosyke Group uses in its business transactions,” she added.

    Mrs. Eburu, however, said the transaction was carried out by the defendants and that they benefited financially.

    Justice Lawal-Akapo adjourned further hearing till today.

     

     

     

     

  • Alleged N10m bribe: EFCC grills CCT judge

    •Demands more documents

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, over alleged N10million bribe from a retired Comptroller of Customs, Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo, who is on trial at the tribunal.

    The commission has also asked the judge to bring documents next week, as part of its ongoing investigation into the bribery allegation.

    According to a source in EFCC, the CCT chairman appeared for quizzing at the Operations Department.

    The source said: “Our officials grilled the CCT chairman for three hours on what he knew about the alleged N10million bribe based on the statement of his Personal Assistant, Ali Gambo Abdullahi.

    “The judge wrote a statement clarifying that he knew nothing about the bribery scam. But we have asked him to produce documents for verification.

    “The CCT chairman is expected to return to the commission next week with these documents in line with our ongoing investigation.

    “The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the judge will be prosecuted or not.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “We also need to interact with the judge on the alleged financial mismanagement raised in a petition to the EFCC by the CCT accountant, Shotunde Adeyinka and two administrative officers, Lucky Eronlan and Johnson Owopetu.

    “This petition borders on the award of contracts without due process, questionable payment of mobilisation fees and other irregularities.”The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “It is true that the commission has quizzed the CCT chairman.”

    The invitation of the CCT chairman followed a petition from a retired Comptroller of Customs, Rasheed Owolabi Taiwo.

    The ex-Customs official, who is standing trial before the tribunal in Suit CCT/ABJ/03/12 for alleged failure to declare his assets, alleged that the judge asked for the N10million bribe sum to throw away the case.

    It was learnt that the accused played along when he paid N1.8million out of the N10million bribe cash into the account of the Personal Assistant to the judge, Ali Gambo Abdullahi.

  • EFCC investigates five judges

    EFCC investigates five judges

    MORE than five judges are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the agency said yesterday.

    The commission said it would release the list of the suspects as soon as a prima facie case has been established against the judges.

    It also said the fact that there is a petition against the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu before the anti-graft agency does not mean he is guilty.

    The commission at a briefing by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said at the appropriate time it would release the details of its investigation into the N255million car scam involving a former Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah.

    Although Uwujaren refused to disclose either the name or number of judges under investigation, it was learnt that they comprise four high court judges and a judge with the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    The CCT judge, who was asked to appear before a team of investigators yesterday, was still being awaited as at the time of filing this report.

    The EFCC spokesman said: “The Commission has in the past few weeks stepped up investigation into cases of alleged corruption in the judiciary.

    “As we speak, some prominent judicial officers have been quizzed while others have been invited for interrogation.

    “At this stage of the investigations, it will be premature to state details as the charges are still mere allegations. The media will be briefed in due course once prima facie cases have been established.”

    On the alleged $49billion Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he said: “When the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, appeared for budget defence in the National Assembly, he was asked the same question and he did explain that various agencies cannot be shouting at the same time about a single matter.

    “The National Assembly has embarked on investigation on that matter and it is proper for us to wait for the outcome of that investigation. I believe that the investigation, which is fact-finding in nature, will shed more light on the issue because various figures are being bandied about.

    “Be patient; once the National Assembly finishes its work, something will come from the commission.”

    Regarding EFCC’s probe of the N255million car scam involving a former Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, Uwujaren said: “I think at the last briefing and I recalled that I said we were already on that matter.

    “As some of you will know from the issues involved in that case, it is a complex case; it has many dimensions. We are taking our time to ensure that we investigate thoroughly. It is premature now for me to tell you how far we have gone. But I can assure you that we are still on that matter and at the appropriate time, we will give you details.”

    Concerning the petition against Muazu, the EFCC spokesman went logical.

    He said: “On Adamu Muazu, what is happening to him? In our environment, you hardly find any public officer (somebody holding a high-profile office in Nigeria as of today) who does not have one or two petitions against him.

    “The fact that there are petitions against an individual does not mean the person is guilty of an offence. What we do when petitions come to EFCC, we take such petitions through a screening process to sieve the wheat from the chaff.

    “Like I said, the fact that you have a petition does not mean there is a prima facie case against you. It certainly means that information has been deposited with an agency, which is statutorily charged with the task of investigation. And we take such petitions through our process. Where we find that a prima facie case has been established, we proceed and where we find that a petition is frivolous, we leave it. We ask people to write because we get information from sources.”

    On the emergence of ex-Governor Ayo Fayose as the governorship candidate of PDP in Ekiti State, Uwujaren said: “I think that question should really be for INEC, not EFCC.

    “EFCC is not statutorily charged with clearing candidates for an election. It is for an electoral umpire to clear candidates and determine whether they are fit and proper persons to contest election.

    “It is for INEC to look at the background of whoever candidate a political party is featuring for an election to determine whether that candidate is suitable or otherwise. It is not for EFCC.”

    The spokesman confirmed that a suspect on trial for pension scam, Dr. Shuaibu Teidi, has forfeited a N329million hotel.

    He said: “The Commission was able to push through an asset forfeiture process that resulted in the final forfeiture of Brifina Hotel to the Federal Government.

    “The hotel was among assets seized from Dr. Shuaibu Teidi, a former director, pension account, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

    “The property located at Plot 1106, Cadastral Zone B02, Durumi District, Abuja was allegedly acquired by Teidi through his company Badawulu Ventures, for N309 million with proceeds of crime.

    “However, the accused denied ownership of the property against claims by the original owner that he sold the property to Teidi. Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court consequently granted the final forfeiture request brought by the EFCC. The Commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on the property from Justice Adamu Bello.

    “The pension fraud cases, both police and Head of Service Pension, are progressing in court. As we speak, several witnesses have been called by the prosecution, especially in cases at the pension account, office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

    “We urge the media to take more interest in the proceedings in order to inform Nigerians on the progress being made.”

    “Still on the subject of assets recovery, there has been an issue in the media regarding the assets recovered by the Commission from a former governor of Bayelsa State, Dieprieye Alamiyeseigha. It is in deed unfortunate some people decided to stir a needless controversy in an otherwise settled matter.”

    Uwujaren said assets worth over N3, 128,230,294.80,  including Chelsea Hotel had been returned to the Bayelsa State Government.

    He said: “I am sure some of you were witnesses in 2010, precisely July 10, 2010, when the assets recovered from Alamiyeseigha were handed over the Bayelsa state government. Timipre Sylva, then governor of the state, was on hand to receive the assets which included Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, from former Chairman of EFCC Mrs. Farida Waziri.

    “In all, assets valued at N3, 128,230,294.80; $441,000; 7,000 Euros and 2,000 pounds were returned to Bayelsa State government.

    “The Commission acted professionally in the management and return of these assets – in line with the order of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which convicted the now pardoned former governor.

    “It is, therefore, regrettable for anyone to want to make a media issue out of a settled matter. However, it is gratifying that the Bayelsa State Government acted responsibly by distancing itself from the action and withdrawing the case filed in court.

    “Of course if there are issues arising from the handling of the case, or any other case(s) for that matter, the Commission as a responsible corporate organization is willing to entertain such issues. However, EFCC will not succumb to the blackmail of anyone.”

  • Taxation Institute, EFCC, FRC, others to fight corruption

    Taxation Institute, EFCC, FRC, others to fight corruption

    The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) is working out modalities with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Financial Intelligence Unit and Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to tackle corruption and economic crimes in the country.

    In a statement, the institute said it has taken proactive steps to educate stakeholders, particularly tax practitioners, on various statutory requirements stipulated in the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), the Financial Reporting Council Act of 2011, the EFCC Act of 2004, and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended).

    CITN’s Acting Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade, the steps are in line with the institute’s strict compliance to the statutory requirements of the regulatory bodies designated, by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended), as Non-Financial Institutions for the purpose of registration, reporting and conduct of customer due diligence.

    Awogbade described the rate of corruption in the country as alarming, adding that more often than not, many of the acts of corruption were facilitated by professionals for culprits. That is why the institute, in conjunction with these anti-corruption agencies, is facilitating an avenue to inculcate in its rank and file the various statutory provisions that are obligatory on them in the process of performing their professional callings.

    According to Awogbade, “The taxman plays a dual role, to the government, on one hand, and to the taxpayer on the other. It is, therefore, expedient to ensure that tax practitioners perform their duties professionally within the ambit and dictates of the laws of the land. We need to ensure that whatever we do as professionals are in tandem with the Charter of our Institute, as well as other statutory provisions.”

    He explained further that the Council of CITN was now better positioned than before to monitor all practitioners carrying the practising licence of the Institute.

    He said: “It is not enough for members to have practising licence to practice once and for all.

    “The Institute will continue to monitor each practitioner to the extent that re-certification would be done as regularly as practicable.”

  • Alleged N47.1b theft: Akingbola challenges court’s jurisdiction

    Alleged N47.1b theft: Akingbola challenges court’s jurisdiction

    Former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, yesterday challenged the jurisdiction of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja to entertain the N47.1 billion theft charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Two preliminary notices of objection were filed on his behalf by his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo.

    His co-defendant, Bayo Dada, also filed a similar application before the court.

    At the resumed hearing of proceedings yesterday, Chief Olanipekun reminded the court about the pending applications challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

    Olanipekun further told the court that the applications had been served on the EFCC.

    He argued that it was better for the applications to be heard before any further development since the matter was starting de novo that is, afresh.

    The ground on which Olanipekun predicated the applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction is that there is a similar charge involving Akingbola and the EFCC, which is pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    He also argued that the main witnesses listed in the proof of evidence at the Federal High Court are the same as those on the proof of evidence at the high court.

    He stated in addition that the subject of the alleged offences against his client relates to banking and capital market issues which fall under the Federal High Court.

    But in his response, counsel to the EFCC, Mr Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), said the applications were premature and should be held in abeyance by the court.

    He argued that the applications filed by the defendants offend Section 262 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011, which provides for the speedy dispensation of criminal matters.

    In his ruling, the trial judge, Justice Lawal-Akapo granted the request of the defendants and opted to hear the applications before further development on the matter.

    Lawal-Akapo, however, directed that the applications should be consolidated and fixed April 2, for hearing of arguments by parties.

  • Fayemi begins re-election campaign with prayers for peace

    Fayemi begins re-election campaign with prayers for peace

    •Governor warns politicians against violence

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi was yesterday in his hometown, Isan in Oye Local Government Area to tell his kinsmen that he is running for a fresh tenure.

    Dr Fayemi kicked off his re-election campaign in a grand style.

    The day began with a church service at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where the governor warned politicians against violence in the pursuit of their ambitions.

    Fayemi, who intends to contest the June 21 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he dedicated the day to pray to God for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

    He said he does not want anyone’s blood to be shed on the altar of politics, urging aspirants and their supporters to go to the election field, which he described as a “marketplace of ideas”, to sell their programmes and allow the electorate choose the best person to lead them.

    The four-in-one event featured a campaign rally at Isan-Ekiti, the opening of Fayemi’s Campaign Office at Ado–Ekiti and unveiling of the JKF re-election campaign logo, which were attended by the governor’s kinsmen, government officials, APC members and the public.

    On the need for a peaceful poll, Fayemi said the state has witnessed peace since he assumed office in October, 2010, adding that Ekiti is no more a state that experiences “one week one trouble”.

    Urging politicians, security agencies, voters and other stakeholders to ensure that the peace is not disturbed, the governor said: “If there is an election that should be issue-based and devoid of violence, it should be this one. We are all witnesses to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in our land.

    “Our people are not stupid. They will make up their minds on whether they want to return to the sordid past of one-week-one-trouble or maintain the path of peace and development we have been experiencing since I assumed office three-and-a-half years ago.

    “We are here to pray for the peaceful conduct of this election and in my broadcast earlier this morning, I emphasised the importance of a peaceful election and why we must contribute to its peaceful conduct. No ambition, not even mine, is worth the spilling of any person’s blood and I urge everyone to conduct him/herself in a non-violent manner.

    “This is a contest of ideas and the people can judge us on how we have conducted ourselves since October, 2010. Those who believe they have better ideas are free to take them to the people and leave the people to decide the direction of our journey.

    “The people know the difference between the good and the bad, light and darkness. The people have seen the difference between what Ekiti used to look like and what it is today.”

    In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felix Ajakaye, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be independent in name and in deed, saying “Ekiti people are honourable and would not take nonsense”.

    He warned politicians to stop disrespecting the electorate by giving them money in exchange for their votes, adding: “This is another season of politics when people will be running after politicians and this is the time for highest bidder politics. For people who collect money from the highest bidding politician, they will lose at the end because such money never last.”

    The bishop, who said he heard some people complaining that Fayemi does not throw money around like some politicians, urged the governor to maintain this attitude.

    He said Fayemi’s refusal to throw money around resulted in the delivery of many life-changing policies and projects.

    Bishop Ajakaye said even though the people of Israel murmured against Moses in the Bible, he led them to the Promised Land.

    Urging Fayemi to remain focused, he said: “You cannot satisfy everybody. If you want to satisfy everybody, things will end in shame. Some of the people that are benefiting from you are the same people that will go out and say that they have not gained anything from you.

    “If you construct roads, they will complain; if you do not construct roads, they will complain. Continue to be stingy because the era of sharing money to the people is over in Ekiti.”

    The cleric urged Fayemi to protect the good name he has built over the years and always remember that everyone is watching him.

    He suggested that lawmaking should be made part-time to give room for people who have a genuine passion for working for the people without monetary motivation.

    Isan-Ekiti indigenes, under the aegis of the Home Support Group, at the rally said Fayemi has performed well in office and merits another term.

    They donated a car to aid the governor’s campaign.

    The governor was joined on the campaign podium by his wife, Bisi; deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; the first civilian governor of the state and APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and top government officials.

    The Onisan (traditional ruler of the community), Oba Sunday Ajiboye, prayed for the governor, saying his ancestors will back Fayemi to win the poll.

    President of Isan Progressive Union (IPU) Chief Bade Gboyega said all indigenes will support Fayemi, who he said had done the community proud by his administrative style.

    Addressing a crowd at the rally, Fayemi thanked them for their support. He said all parts of the state have felt the impact of his administration, adding that he is encouraged to contest for another term by his desire to serve Ekiti people better.

    Fayemi said he has represented Isan people well as his administration has been corruption-free and ensured development.

    He urged the people to be wary of “the party of looters”, which he said is desperate to return to power, saying Ekiti people have resolved not to go back to the era of criminality and brigandage.

    Fayemi said: “In our three-and-a-half years, there is no place the dividends of democracy have not reached. There is no road in Ekiti now that will make you change your brake pad or make your engine knock. No government official has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) since we assumed office and we are enjoying peace. I heard the looting party is threatening to come back, but we say forward ever backward never.

    “Ekiti State shall not return to the era of criminality, brigandage, trouble, thuggery, one-week-one-trouble. In this journey, I will never walk alone. Ekiti will not go back to darkness. The light has come to Ekiti and the light will stay in Ekiti.”

    After the rally, the campaign train moved to Ado-Ekiti, where the governor opened his campaign office in Ajilosun and unveiled his campaign logo.

    Fayemi said the building had witnessed many cries and struggles, but it is time to experience laughter.

    Explaining the significance of his campaign colours, he said: “You can see the dominance of blue, which represents love and peace. The red here symbolises energy, not blood. It stands for energy, drive, commitment and compassion, not violence or criminality. The white represents purity. That is the purity of our minds and purpose.”

     

  • Fleeing suspect knocks down EFCC operative

    Fleeing suspect knocks down EFCC operative

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that a fleeing suspect knocked down one of its operatives, Mr. Jonathan Barde, last Tuesday in Lagos.

    The suspect, Tajudeen Oluwanishola, is being investigated for alleged N5.5million internet banking fraud, according to EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

    Oluwanishola was, however, rearrested soon afterwards by a Rapid Response Team and was subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency.

    Barde sustained a serious injury and was rushed to the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos for medical attention.

    The agency said that “not only was Barde injured, a Toyota Hilux van that took the investigative team to the Gbagada Estate neighbourhood where the suspects reside was badly damaged as the suspect rammed his car into the vehicle in his desperate bid to escape arrest.”

     

  • Gay moments Gay moments

    Gay moments Gay moments

    HAPPY times are here again for Anita Uwagbale. On Wednesday, the former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria clocked 30, and she celebrated it in a low-key manner with some of her very close friends.

    A source close to her said the former beauty queen would have loved an elaborate party but she decided to lie low because her husband preferred it that way. Not many would have forgotten that her husband, Tom Iseghoni, was a guest in the cells of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds during his stint with Transcorp as the Group Chief Executive Officer.

    Before then, he had enjoyed some impressive credentials with his experience in leading global corporations, especially in America where he once resided. But he made little or no mark in Nigeria, and that, many believe, could have been responsible for the headlines he made when he was announced the GCEO of Transcorp.

    Shortly after his appointment, he called attention when he walked the former beauty queen down the aisle in an event that attracted the creme-de-la-creme in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political circles. He has been left off the EFCC hook and the couple must be happy that the storm is now over.

  • Alamieyeseigha’s loot: Court summons EFCC, Lamorde

    Alamieyeseigha’s loot: Court summons EFCC, Lamorde

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde to enter defence in the suit brought against them by the Bayelsa State government.

    Bayelsa is, by the suit seeking among others, to compel the EFCC to return to it, N1.4 Billion and another 1.3 million USD recovered from its former governor, Diepreye Alamieyesiegha.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola has directed that hearing notices be served on the commission and its Chairman and therefore fixed hearing for April 15.

    A security expert, George Uboh had, upon a mandate issued him by the Bayelsa Government, to help recover the funds, initiated the suit for Bayelsa as a means of executing the mandate. Uboh is the Chief Executive of Panic Alert Security System (PASS).

    The state, in its writ of summons, wants the court to declare that the failure of EFCC to remit the funds recovered from Alamieyesiegha‎ after he was investigated and prosecuted and “subsequently trading with the funds by way of funds placement/fixed deposits is an act of corruption and an economic crime contrary to sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

    The state also asked the court to issue an order to direct the commission to immediately pay the monies with the interest which had accrued on them.

    Bayelsa wants the court to declare that Lamorde who took part in the investigation and prosecution ‎of Alamieyesiegha‎ ‎should not have allowed the looted funds recovered from the former governor to be traded with.

    It also asked the court to hold that Lamorde was not qualified to continue in office as chairman of EFCC having violated his oath of office.

    The state also urged the court to order EFCC to pay 21 per cent interest on the N1.4 Billion and the $1.3 million from November 1st, 2013 until judgment was delivered by the court.

    It urged the court to, “direct EFCC to pay to it $400,000.00 being the amount forfeited by its former governor and which funds had since been repatriated by the United States Government to the EFCC.‎”

    Uboh, in a supporting affidavit, said he had written to the EFCC requesting for the monies to be paid to him within 7 days following which the commission requested him to meet with its staff on December 19, 2013.

    He stated that he met with EFCC and the commission asked him for a short time to ‎comply.

    The PASS boss added that as at the beginning of this month, the commission was yet to remit the monies and that the state instructed him to sue the commission to recover the monies.