The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ex-minister

  • Ex-minister: election will hold in Anambra

    •Picks N5m UPP nomination form in Abuja

    Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has expressed disappointment over threats by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that the November 18 Anambra governorship election will not hold.

    According to him, IPOB is forcing a dialogue on referendum, saying the election will hold on November 18, despite the threat.

    Chidoka spoke in Abuja after picking the nomination form of the United Progressive Party (UPP), to enable him run as the governorship candidate.

    His words: “Building a nation is not a day’s job, not a decade or century’s job. It is work in progress. Today I pick the nomination form of United Progressive Party (UPP); I will want to mobilise governance in Anambra State. “Governance in Anambra today is a celebration of the ordinary; and we want to move away from celebrating the ordinary to a state whose potentials are made manifest. We want a state that is transparent; we will arrest poverty and ensure justice.

    “I believe IPOB is forcing a dialogue on referendum in Nigeria; it is pushing an agenda to say it wants a date for referendum, and I believe they know that for you to exercise the powers of a referendum, you need to be a registered voter. And one of the ways to show you have a majority for a referendum is to participate in the political process. I believe when they understand the implications of their threat, they will eventually change their point of view.”

    The party’s National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said IPOB’s leadership is not well informed about the referendum process, adding that it will be suicidal if the election does not hold.

     

  • Ex-minister seeks greater access to education for the poor

    Former Health Minister Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi has called on academics to find solution to the problem of unequal access to education.

    He warned that lack of access for the poor could be have disastrous consequences.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi, who is the founder of Juli Pharmacy, spoke while delivering the First Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy yesterday at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos.

    The lecture was held in honour of Mrs Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele, who endowed two professorial chairs in Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2005.  The chairs were, however, converted to annual lectures because the funds available were insufficient to sustain the endowments.

    The respected pharmacist and lawyer said the lack of access should be a concern for the rich because it would affect their own children, who would have to live in the same society as the poor.

    He worried that the commercialisation of education resulted in blocking access for the less-privileged.

    In his lecture titled: “Private Public Partnership as a vehicle for sustainable pharmaceutical education”, Adeluyi-Adelusi asked: “Has the deregulation of education achieved its purpose of access or have we simply commercialised education in Nigeria? Has anyone thought of the implication of the educational segregation between the ‘haves’ and ‘have not’ on the next generation?”

    He said at the end of the day, the society is governed by those who are streetwise, who usually are not numbered among the children of the rich or those that are brilliant.

    He said: “The First Class and those that make 2.1 will get jobs. Those that make third class and pass will have to find their way. They are usually streetwise; and it is the streetwise people that get into power; then they make laws for the brilliant people to obey and you cannot say anything.

    “We have to democratise education. This haves and haves not situation is not good.  Professors must look at the looming danger and do something about it.  Your children will eventually live in the same society as the children of the poor who do not have access to education and they will know your addresses.

    Adeluyi-Adelusi called on universities to creatively pursue industry collaborations through research and growth.

    To attract private partnership, he counselled faculties of pharmacies to ensure their projects are sustainable.

    He called on the Federal Government to craft a Public Private Partnership (PPP) strategy to finance tertiary education backed by the political will to implement it.

  • ‘Missing’ ex-minister: Court to hear detained rep’s bail application tomorrow

    An Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State will tomorrow hear the bail application by lawmaker representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Aliyu Ahman Pategi, who was remanded last Friday.

    Pategi was remanded in prison following his arraignment for failing to produce former Minister of State for Education, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, whom he stood surety for.

    Akinjide is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged conspiracy and laundering of N650 million.

    According to the EFCC, Akinjide collected the money from former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in March 2015.

    It said Alison-Madueke received the N650 million as gratification from several firms, including Northern Belt Oil and Gas Company, Actus Integrated Investment Limited, Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited and Adesanya Leno Olaitan.

    The money was allegedly kept in Fidelity Bank Plc.

    Akinjide, former Managing Partner of commercial law firm Akinjide and Co., and a solicitor of England and Wales, was arrested last August.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that Akinjide was granted bail last August, after Pategi stood as her surety on a N650 million bail bond, with a promise to produce her when needed.

    He said a 24-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy was brought against her before Justice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Ibadan.

    But, according to Oyedepo, she failed to appear in court after more than three proceedings, despite service of the charges on her, following which the court threatened to dismiss the charge.

    Oyedepo said Akinjide has not been seen since and Pategi, despite repeated demands, failed to produce her.

    The lawyer prayed for an order directing Pategi to show cause for his failure to produce Akinjide, and why the N650 million should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    But Pategi, through his lawyer, Adenrele Adegborioye, applied for bail.

    Oyedepo said he was served the bail application in open court and needed time to respond to it.

  • Stop leaving Nigeria for greener pastures, ex-minister advises youths

    Former Minister of State for Finance Aderemi Babalola has urged youths to stop leaving the country for greener pastures.

    Babalola, who spoke at the weekend at the Young Managers’ Quiz Competition organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, for primary and secondary school pupils across the state’s 57 councils, said there were opportunities yet to be tapped in the country.

    According to him, Nigeria will regain its economic pride if youths become more productive by creating their own businesses rather than running to other countries for greener pastures.

    He blamed the mismanagement of oil proceeds for the prevailing economic challenges.

    Babalola said: “Many youths now believe that deciding to stay in the country is the worst choice to take. Yes, It is tough, but running away is not the best decision to make. There are better opportunities here too. As citizens, we need to make some sacrifices.

    “Start thinking about what should happen in 20 years’ time. Nigeria presents an unusual opportunity for entrepreneurs because all the things have not been done. Things are waiting for people to come and do them, so opportunities are here untapped.

    “We had so much money that came all of a sudden from oil. If we had used that money to develop our infrastructure, productive aspects that will enable individuals to do whatever they want to do, it would have been a different ball game. That’s what some other countries actually did. But what we did in our own case is sharing the money within the three tiers of government and it encourages corruption and that is the reason why the country has not been developed.”

    MSSN President Dr Saheed Ashafa, who lamented the nation’s over-dependence on oil, enjoined youths to engage in activities that would make them self-reliant.

    Ashafa said the competition was aimed at engaging youths to provide a lasting solution to the country’s economic challenges.

    “Youths, regardless of the challenges faced must begin to take bold steps towards being self-reliant. A situation where youths rely solely on paid employment and refuse to own businesses is dangerous for a developing country like Nigeria. Government at all levels must take as a priority the creation of a conducive business environment for start-ups and existing businesses,” he said.

    He said education curriculum should be tinkered with to inculcate entrepreneurship studies to address joblessness.

    Another guest speaker, Mr AbdulHakeem Bashorun, a chartered accountant, urged the government to assist small and medium scale enterprises for Nigeria to grow.

  • Ex-Minister to court: try me separately from Fani-Kayode

    Former Minister of State of Finance Senator Nenadi Usman yesterday prayed the Federal High Court in Lagos to order her tried separately rather than with his co-accused, former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them on a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6 billion.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    They were charged with former National Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and ex-Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Yusuf Danjuma and a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.

    Usman prayed the court to allow her to be tried separately from Fani-Kayode and that her trial be transferred from Lagos to Abuja for convenience.

    Arguing the application yesterday, her lawyer Abiodun Owoniko (SAN) said: “The issue of venue of a criminal trial is governed by the nature of the offence and the place it was committed.”

    He said the Supreme Court held in the case of Rhoda vs FRN that offence that was committed in Kano could not be tried in Abuja.

    Owonikoko said her client’s application was based on the grounds of Usman’s health condition, the fact she lives in Abuja and therefore has to travel to Lagos each time the case comes u, and the fact that most of the witnesses were based in Abuja where the alleged offence was committed.

    “She spends a day traveling from Abuja to Lagos, spends another day for the trial and the third day returning to Abuja; all at her expense when all her accounts have been frozen. That is a most unbearable hardship.

    “On the issue of convenience of forum, the end of justice will be served if this case is taken to where the offence was allegedly committed. The fact that arraignment has taken place does not mean the case cannot be transferred,” Owonikoko said.

    Urging the court to separate Usman’s trial from Fani-Kayode’s, the senior advocate said only one of the 17-count charge dealt with conspiracy.

    “All alleged conspirators need not be charged in one case, and there will be no consequence if they are tried separately,” he said.

    Opposing the application, EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said the chief judge could not exercise his powers to transfer a case where the prosecution had called its first witness.

    Besides, he said 13 of the listed 17 witness live in Lagos, adding that the law cited by Owonikoko did not apply to the case.

    “Severing the charge will mean duplicating evidence before different courts. I urge your lordship to refuse this application,” he said.

    Fani-Kayode’s lawyer Norrison Quakers (SAN) moved the former minister’s application asking the judge to disqualify himself from adjudicating the case.

    He contended that Justice Muslim Hassan, who worked as head of Legal at the EFCC before his appointment as a judge, signed the money laundering charge for which Fani-Kayode was previously tried and acquitted by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumobia on July 1, 2015.

    Quakers said: “The court is not constituted to guarantee the second defendant fair hearing, and the venue is also not convenient. I urge the court to recuse itself from trying the second defendant. Once the issue of bias is raised, the court must recuse itself.

    “Having been a prosecutor and having had the responsibility of evaluating the facts leading to the institution of a charge, and for which he was subsequently discharged, and less than a year after, a fresh charge is now being instituted against the officer who prepared the charge…”

    Quakers said while judges ought to operate as if they were blindfolded, like the lady justice, “the blindfold is sometimes removed on primordial sentiments”.

    Oyedepo opposed the application, saying although Justice Hassan signed the charge as Head of EFCC’s Legal Department, the case was prepared and prosecuted by an external counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

    “At no time did the judge feature in the trial. We (EFCC) were also extremely scolded by your lordship when the applicant was re-arrested in court in relation to another matter.

    “Nothing has been placed before my lord to justify the likelihood of bias. This application is only intended to whip up sentiments and paint the court in bad light.

    “It is not for any party to decide the judge that will adjudicate on his case. I urge the court to dismiss the application.”

    Justice Hassan adjourned until March 16 for ruling.

  • Ex-minister Nwodo endorsed as Ohanaeze president general

    Two-time minister Chief John Nnia Nwodo from Enugu State may become the president general of the apex Igbo  organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    The position of secretary general has reportedly been zoned to Rivers State and likely to be clinched by Chief Isaac Wonwu.

    The election of the officers is expected to hold on January 12.

    Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in seven Igbo-speaking states were said to have met in Enugu for the endorsement.

    It was learnt the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Presidents’ Forum and President of Ohanaeze in Anambra State, Dr. Chris Eluemunor, said other state presidents endorsed Nwodo as their sole candidate because of his sterling qualities.

    The forum said Nwodo was a round peg in a round hole, a notable orator and a change agent for a better Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

    It added that nobody else deserved to occupy the office better than him.

    Also, the Imo State President of Ohanaeze, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said Nwodo was an embodiment of what a revered Igbo leader should be.

    Chukwu said the former minister would take Ndigbo to greater heights because of his incorruptible stance.

  • Ex Minister Kuforiji-Olubi dies at 80 

    Ex Minister Kuforiji-Olubi dies at 80 

    Former Minister of Commerce Dr. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi died at the weekend in Lagos. She was  80

    Family sources said Mrs. Kuforiji-Olubi died on Saturday .

    Eminent Nigerians, including governors, sent their condolences, remembering her for her contributions to banking.

    When she visited President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the activities marking her 80th birthday, she told reporters at the State House: “Having turned 80, I looked at my life and made a list of those who contributed to what I have become in my life and the name of President Muhammadu Buhari came topmost on the list. This is why I am here to pay my respect and thank him.”

    The one time Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), was born on September 28, 1936

    Dr. Kuforiji- Olubi graduated from the University of London in 1963 with B. Sc honours in Economics. A fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales 1977, ICAN Nigeria 1976, British Chartered institutes of company Secretaries (ACIS 1964). Nigerian Institute of management (FMIN) 1985, British Institute of Directors.

    She was a recipient of the honours and awards, including: Doctor of Business administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, 1997, Doctor of Laws, LLD honoris causa. Bayero University, Kano, 2004, Doctor of letter, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye Ogun State 2006.

    She was awarded National award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1979, for her contributions to management education and socio- economic Advancement of Nigeria,  and later Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) award. Certificate of Merit by the United Nations Decade of Woman, 1980, award for Excellence from the University of Benn’s Skonit Club in 1988, honorary Grammarian of CMS 1988 by CMS grammar school, award of Excellence by Brigade of Nigeria, 1992, International award of Excellence for outstanding entrepreneurial achievements,  MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States. !992, a recipient of 2002 conferment award for Woman of achievements under the auspices of the Woman development centre, Abuja, 2005.

    She also held many chieftaincy titles.

    She was the 25th ICAN president and the first female to become president of the Institute; while she was in the office she launched Accounting Technicians Course 1989–1990.

    First Nigerian woman to be CEO of a multinational company (VYB Industries Limited, with British affiliates (incheape & Co Plc) and first female Chairman of a public quoted company (Bewac Plc).

    Shje was chair and member of many boards of companies. The first Chair man of Ogun, Osun River basin development (1976–1980), member governing council Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic research (NISER) from 1981–1983. She was appointed chairman of a leading financial Institution, United Bank for Africa Plc in 1984 1990, a first woman in Africa south of the Sahara, Vice chairman National conference on Nigerian foreign policy to the year 2000, member National Sport commission 1986–89. She was a foundation member and chairman, Lagos State Education endowment fund (1988–1999). She was appointed as honorable Secretary (Minister) for commerce and tourism in the interim National government of Nigeria in 1983. A deputy chairman and federal commissioner for Ogun state at the revenue mobilization.

    She also wrote many publications including, the female Entrepreneur and Financial Management for Survival 1987, Civil service reform in a developing Economy 1988. The corporate Woman, a marginalised group, problem and Strategies for success, vide public enlightenment programme of the institute of Directors 1989. Technical education as a catalyst for technical cooperation and Economic growth in developing Countries 1992 and co-author of Changing Course.

  • 90 million Nigerians living without electricity, says ex – minister

    Between 80 and 90 million Nigerians do not enjoy electricity supply, Former Minister of Power Dr Lanre Babalola has said.

    With a population of about 180 million, this means that over 50 per cent of the people are not connected to the national grid.

    Babalola spoke at the weekend, at the National Discourse organised by The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and profession at the University of Lagos main auditorium in Akoka, Yaba.

    He attributed the inability to distribute electricity generated to shortage of gas, wondering why the government is selling the gas to foreign countries.

    “You know what, these foreign nations are using the gas purchased from us to boost their distribution of electricity and we deprive ourselves of its usage all in the name of getting more funds to finance our budgets,” he said.

    Another cause of epileptic power supply, according to Babalola, is that 25 per cent of the electricity produced does not get to customers because of technical losses.

    The Companion National President Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso said the theme: “Energy for sustainable economic development: What strategic options for Nigeria,” was chosen because it is an issue that concerns all.

    “The 21st century life we live today is power driven. Power or energy if you like, has become an indispensable factor in our daily life. We rely on it for virtually everything we do. It is perhaps no exaggeration to state that electric power is the backbone of the 21st century technology in all spheres of life whether at home or at work. Fortunately for us, Nigeria is blessed with virtually all known sources of power whether conventional or renewable ranging from hydro to gas, thermal, coal, solar, as well as wind and bio-mass among others. Yet it is ironical that we have not been able to convert these resources to power for the benefit of our people and the economy,” he said.

    According to him, electricity has been identified as  largely responsible for local industries’ inability to compete at the international level as it takes up to 20 per cent or more of the cost of production.

    “The significance of power to the economy is unquantifiable. Evidence shows that power has been a major resource in large shortage for our industries. The effort of government in increasing power generation has also yielded little or no positive result. The much needed private investment in the sector has also remained unfulfilled. The challenges seem enormous but not insurmountable,” he said.

    Chairman on the occasion Chief Gbadegesin Giwa said the power sector has become a nightmare for individuals, businesses and other organisations.

    Besides, Giwa said, it is having negative impact on the socio-economic development of the country.

    He said: “This impact is across all sectors from health to industry and manufacturing to commerce, governance, entertainment, and many more. Several billions of naira and foreign currency have been expended by different administrations on power supply.

    “In addition, some of our best minds have also been deployed as ministers and special assistants in the ministry to provide leadership and deliver power to the economy, yet they ended up achieving little or nothing. The challenges seem so enormous ranging from deliberate sabotage to inappropriate laws, regulations, funding, manpower, security and many more. The change of status from public/government driven sector to private sector driven alternative does not seem to be having any positive impact either. This, therefore, calls for a more robust approach to the seemingly intractable problem. Fortunately for us, power supply is taken for granted in other climes because all forms of challenges have been overcome and the technology to provide power is generally available and not rocket science. What is required is strong political will and the resolve of all stakeholders including the general public to join hands in tackling the challenges.”

  • EFCC grills ex-minister over ‘N1b contract’

    EFCC grills ex-minister over ‘N1b contract’

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday grilled a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed, in connection with alleged N1billion fictitious contracts.

    Mohammed was also questioned on alleged allocation of 12 choice plots to his son, 37 other commercial plots of land worth about N8billion to his suspected front, Tariq Hammoud, and the controversial N1trillion Abuja land swap.

    A mansion believed to be worth N782million, allegedly belonging to the ex-minister, has been placed under Interim Assets Forfeiture.

    Mohammed, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 9.50am, was immediately ushered into interrogation room.

    Although Mohammed was quizzed for about nine hours, there were strong indications that the former minister might be detained.

    Before the ex-minister responded to the invitation of the anti-graft agency, others who had been interrogated were his son, Shamsudeen Bala; Shamsudeen, Hammoud, and top directors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including those of Treasury, Ibrahim Bomoi; Land, Babayo Mainasara, and Abuja Geographical Information Service (AGIS), Ms Jamila Tangaza.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said:

    “We have questioned him for about nine hours and he is likely to be detained for some days because of the many allegations he would respond to.

    “Some of these issues had been with the commission in the last three, year. Initial findings showed that the ex-minister used fictitious companies to award contracts worth N1billion in FCT. In one instance, a man with three companies was allowed to bid for one slot.

    “About 16 companies used for fictitious contracts are under investigation because they did not supply items credited to them.

    “He was also alleged to have allocated plots of land to his friends, business partners. For examples, he allocated 12 plots of land to his son, Shamsudeen and 37 commercial plots of land to his business front called Tariq Hammoud.

    “Some of those quizzed so far confessed that Bala allegedly used unconventional methods in raking illicit funds and laundering same. Each time the ex-minister allocated a plot of land, he will find out the market value and ask you to pay half of the amount to him in cash.

    “He was smart in collecting cash.

    The source added that EFCC detectives have uncovered how 37 commercial plots were allocated to Hammoud with about N8billion raked from the deal.

    “In fact, we saw a proposal by Tariq Hammoud to sell some of the plots,” the source said.

     

  • Ex-Minister, husband kidnapped in Kaduna

    Ex-Minister, husband kidnapped in Kaduna

    Former Minister of Environment Mrs. Laurentia Laraba Malam and her husband have been kidnapped in Bwari on the Abuja-Kaduna highway. They were travelling to Kaduna.

    Mrs. Laraba Malam was minister for about nine months in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Police spokesperson Aliyu Usman confirmed the incident, saying the command was working to rescue them.

    According to sources, Mrs. Malam and her husban were snatched in the presence of their driver who was released.

    It was learnt that the kidnappers have demanded N10 million.