The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Oil marketers seek prompt payment of subsidy funds

    The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) on Thursday appealed to the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of subsidy funds to importers of petroleum products.

    The Executive Secretary, MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, made the appeal in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Olawore said that marketers paid huge sums as interests to banks whenever there was any delay in the payment of the subsidy.

    “For instance, the marketers who imported petroleum products in March had just been paid in July.

    “This will attract an additional interest from the banks on the importers.

    “We borrow money from banks on specific terms, on conditions which must be met.

    “The painful aspect is that the Federal Government does not consider such accrued interest when paying the subsidy after several months of delay,” he said.

    Olawore added that prompt payment of subsidy would enable the timely importation of products and investment in other businesses that would generate employment.

    The scribe, therefore, urged the government to set up a body that would ensure quick payment of subsidy claims to the marketers.

     

  • Lagos ACN decries acquittal of al- Mustapha

    Lagos ACN decries acquittal of al- Mustapha

    Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has decried the acquittal of Maj. Hamza al-Mustapha in the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

    She was the slain wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola.

    al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha.

    ACN said the acquittal is another indictment on the capacity of the judiciary to avail Nigerians of justice.

    It said the acquittal was a shame and followed a pattern that had never punished high net-worth offenders for crimes they committed either against the state or their compatriots.

    In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe, Lagos ACN said given the weighty evidence that had been brought against al- Mustapha, including the confessions of Barnabas Msheilla Kabila (aka Sgt. Rogers) and Maj. Muhammed Abdul, the men that allegedly killed Mrs. Abiola and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan; dismissing the case for lack of evidence seemed to be a way of ensuring that al- Mustapha escaped justice and not in any way a means of polishing the soiled image of the judiciary.

    The party urged the Lagos State Government to appeal the judgment, as it believed that there was weighty evidence that linked al-Mustapha to the murder of Alhaja Abiola.

    The statement reads: “We are shocked at the acquittal of al-Mustapha, given the evidence that had been brought against him and his co-accused. We wonder how the Appeal Court arrived at its judgment. We are aware of the huge cache of evidence marshalled by the prosecution and we are aware that these are incontrovertible evidence against al-Mustapha, contrary to the ruling of the Appeal Court, which chose to hide under the well-abused lingo of Nigerian judges that ‘the prosecution had not proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt’. “We see this as a convenient alibi for a pliable judiciary, such as ours, without the healthy interface of a jury, to pervert justice and ensure that criminals are not punished for their crimes.

    “Lagos ACN notes that the acquittal is coming a few days after the popular Internet news site, Saharareporters.com, did a detailed report of an extensive plan to free al-Mustapha and ensure he is not punished for the assassination of Alhaja Abiola. We see this acquittal as a shame on the country and particularly a shame on the judiciary, which seems not to be in a hurry to clear its name of the sordid history of filth, which has prevented it from being an independent and incorruptible dispenser of justice. If the judiciary continues to operate at the behest of the highest bidder, we see no hope for the country.

    “We believe that the judiciary, by this questionable verdict, is hoping to consign the killing of Kudirat Abiola to the long list of unsolved assassination cases that hunt the country today. We recall the murder of Bola Ige where the alleged killers were helped to evade justice and even rewarded with political offices. We recall the murder of Marshall Harry, A.K. Dikibo, Hassan Olajokun, Ogbonnaya Uche, Funsho Williams, Dr. Daramola, among the uncountable cases of murderous impunity that have been interred in the thriving list of Nigerian judicial ‘whodunnit’. We see the verdict of the Appeal Court acquitting al- Mustapha as an attempt to enrich the country’s bloating list of unsolved murder and assassination cases and we warn that this will come up to hunt all of us in future.

    “Lagos ACN is not satisfied with the quality of verdicts that our courts churn out as there is an impression among Nigerians that the courts are there for only the rich to manipulate. We therefore believe that a thorough jury system will help enrich the verdict of our courts.

    “While we align ourselves with the opinions of millions of Nigerians, who have enjoined the Lagos State Government to not only appeal the latest verdict but also pursue the course of justice for the slain Kudirat Abiola, we state that the country is sitting on a keg of gun powder if Nigerians, high and low, could be killed at will and their killings shoved under the carpet.”

     

  • Lagos to prosecute unpainted vehicles users

    Lagos to prosecute unpainted vehicles users

    THE Lagos State Government has warned users of unregistered vehicles and unpainted taxis to desist or face prosecution.

    Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa, decried the rate of security infractions occasioned by the indiscriminate use of unregistered vehicles and the illegal use of unpainted taxis, noting that the state government has resolved to invoke the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Law 2012 on offenders.

    “Henceforth, all such unregistered vehicles and unpainted taxis will be impounded and their operators arrested and charged to court for prosecution as provided for in Section 25 of the Road Traffic Law 2012,” he said.

    He urged the public to be suspicious of unpainted taxis as many of them are now being used for illegal and criminal activities.

    Findings, he said, have shown that many of these vehicles are the tools for armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins and other unscrupulous individuals.

    He enjoined the public to patronise only the registered taxis (private and corporate cabs) with recognised colours so as not to fall prey to the hoodlums and other men of bad attentions.

    The Commissioner said since the public has the responsibility of securing themselves, they should resist all temptations to patronise such vehicles and report any known person doing so to law enforcement agencies. He also called on law enforcement officers to ensure compliance by bringing offenders to book.

  • Rivers crisis: Lagos Assembly cautions PDP

    Rivers crisis: Lagos Assembly cautions PDP

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop looking for scapegoats as a result of its failure to manage the lingering crisis in Rivers State as well as the internal bickering within the party in many other states of the federation.

    Reacting to a statement made by the Lagos PDP on Friday where it accused the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of being responsible for the political crisis in Rivers State, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Hon. Segun Olulade, described the allegation as a distortion of the truth and a cheap ploy to blackmail the ACN.

    Buttressing his position, Olulade stressed that the PDP should affirm if it was ACN that ignited the crisis in Plateau, Kano, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Nasarawa and other PDP-controlled states.

    He also asked the PDP if ACN was responsible for the bombing of churches, mosques, schools and other public institutions, as well as the kidnapping of innocent citizens in the country.

    He also denied PDP’s allegation about an incidence of a free-for-all fight at the Lagos State House of Assembly where Hon. Risikat Adegeye was physically attacked on the floor of the House.

    The lawmaker added that there has never been any time in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly when members engaged in physical combat.

    Olulade advised the PDP leadership to warn President Goodluck Jonathan to desist from the use of divide and rule tactics, adding that the crude approaches of Jonathan and some other PDP leaders and their controversial meddling in issues of local and national pedigree have worsened the crisis in many states across the country.

  • Victim of building collapse in stable condition

    An unidentified victim of the Lagos building collapse, who was rushed by a good samaritan to the Casualty Ward of General Hospital, Lagos, is in stable condition.

    Doctors attended to him promptly.

    He was writhing in pain as a nurse treated his bruised shoulder and leg.

    The victim narrated how the unfortunate incident happened as a doctor carried out an examination on him.

    The doctor said he was now in a very stable condition, as sympathizers in the ward looked in his direction.

    The victim, who should be in his 30s, was transferred from the ward to the General Ward for more treatment.

     

  • Lagos seeks review of death penalty law

    Lagos seeks review of death penalty law

    The Lagos State government on Thursday suggested a review of the nation’s law on death penalty and execution of condemned prisoners.

    The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who stated this, said it is high time the country makes up its mind on whether or not it wants to retain death penalty in its statute books.

    Ipaye made the suggestion while responding to questions from journalists during the monthly media briefing on Law and Order in the state, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Ipaye observed that the issue of death penalty has been a subject of debate at different occasions without any direct decision being taken on the matter.

    The commissioner suggested that an investigative committee be set up on death sentence with a view to determining whether or not death penalty has served as appropriate deterrent to criminals.

    He said that such committee should consider whether there has been an increase or a decrease in cases of armed robbery between the period governors suspended moratoriums on execution of convicts on death row.

    He posited that the result of the investigation would help Nigerians to take a stance on the issue which has put the country in limbo for some times now.

     

  • Drug barons abandon cocaine at airport

    … Suspect excretes 54 wraps

    Cocaine weighing 5.9kg has been abandoned by a suspected drug trafficking syndicate.

    The drug was detected by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The drug which was hidden inside industrial equipment originated from Panama, Central America.

    The discovery was made as a suspected drug trafficker excreted 54 wraps of cocaine he ingested in Brazil.

    NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar, said the cocaine consignment was left unclaimed.

    “The luggage was imported from Panama. When nobody came forward to claim ownership, we invited other security agencies and carried out search. It was in the process of search that the cocaine was discovered inside industrial equipment.

    “A 36 year old man, Onyema Watson Goodman Nnamdi was also apprehended in connection with the ingestion of 54 wraps of cocaine weighing 875 grammes. Both seizures weighed 6.775kg,” Hamza stated.

     

  • Apapa model city plan: Lagos, stakeholders make input

    Lagos State Government has assembled stakeholders in Apapa and presented a draft of the Model City Plan for their input and harmonisation.

    This followed the planned re-modelling of various parts in the state to meet its mega city status.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, said the vision of the Model City Plan is to create a modern Port City that is functional, conducive and well integrated with other parts of the state.

    According to him, the idea is to create a modern city, which promotes integrated, well- connected and sustainable community that is conducive for habitation and business as well as attractive to recreation, tourism and commerce.

    He said the plan covers the southern part of the state comprising Apapa Local Government, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), parts of Eti-Osa West and Oriade LCDA.

    Ayinde said the Model City Plan, among others, would provide an effective framework for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional development in addition to facilitating inter- modal transport system, social cohesion, steady economic growth and live-able aesthetic environment.

    The commissioner said the plan, when implemented, would bring investment opportunities in commerce and tourism with a unique and pragmatic plan to effect efficient security systems.

    Apapa GRA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Aremu Vaughan Olushola, decried the frequent change of use of buildings in the area. He said at the last count, about four brothels, 18 hotels and four markets have sprung up in the area, causing a nuisance to residents.

    He urged the government to stop such action in the model city to encourage orderliness and harmonious living. Olushola frowned at the non- implementation of a judgment in favour of the residents against Okada riders compelling them to stop plying their trade in Apapa.

     

  • Lagos to create new port city

    HOW will Apapa in Lagos look like when it becomes a port city? It will boast of modern amenities which will be second to none, says the government.

    To actualise this dream, it assembled stakeholders in Apapa to make input into a draft of making the place a new port city.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde said the vision of the Model City Plan is to create a modern Port City that is functional, conducive and well integrated with other parts of the state.

    He said the idea is to create a modern city which promotes integrated, well connected and sustainable community that is conducive for habitation and business as well as attractive to recreation, tourism and commerce, adding that the plan covers the southern part of the state, consisting of Apapa Local Government Area, Apapa-Iganmu, Local Government Development Area (LCDA) and parts of Eti-Osa West and Oriade LCDA.

    Ayinde said the Model City Plan, among other things, would provide effective framework for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional development in addition to facilitating inter modal transport system, social cohesion, steady economic growth and liveable aesthetic environment.

    The Commissioner said the plan when implemented would bring investment opportunities in commerce and tourism with a unique and pragmatic plan to effect efficient security systems.

    He regretted that the problem of Apapa started with the oil boom that attracted tankers and articulated vehicles to the area that destroyed the road and other infrastructure.

    Noting the development constraints encountered by the state government, he said it include Federal Government’s acquisitions of properties, water bodies, tank farms, flooding and irregular land tenure.  He said Apapa have the potential to offer employment opportunities at the ports and other major sectors in the area as a result of its accessibility through different modes of transport, future transport link, water front and housing development.

    He asked residents to make inputs into the draft proposal to have a model city of their choice that will not only be livable with modern amenities and services but also provide a platform for modern industrial outlays, safety of lives and property where wealth will be created for all residents.

    Apapa GRA Chairman, Brig-Gen Aremu Vaughan Olushola, decried the frequent change of use of buildings in the upscale area. He said at the last count, about four brothels, 18 hotels and four markets has sprung in the area causing nuisance to residents. He urged the government to take serious action to stop such action in the model city in order to encourage orderliness and harmonious living.

    Olushola also frowned at the non- implementation of a judgment in favour of the residents against Okada riders compelling them to stop plying their trade in Apapa. He encouraged the government to insist on the strict interpretation and implementation of the model city plan.

    A resident, Mr. Babatunde Bamigbose Daniel, asked the government to improve the littoral towns in the state to reduce the population of Apapa and also discourage Tank Farms in the model city. Another resident, Mr Isiaka Lawal, asked that maintenance culture be imbibed in the model city plan for it not to go the way of the others.

    Prince Ojora Akiolu asked that the project should be used to create employment for residents and not for outsiders. He frowned at a situation where rather than enriching the lives of residents through employment generation, outsiders would be employed.

  • Alleged fraud: Ajudua seeks change of trial judge

    A one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, on Monday filed an application before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, seeking a change of thejudge hearing charges of fraud preferred against him.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajudua and his associate Charles Orie, are standing trial before Justice Joseph Oyewole for allegedly defrauding two Dutch nationals few years ago.

    They were arraigned on May 30, 2003, for allegedly defrauding Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of 1.69 million US dollars (N252.8 million).

    During Monday’s proceedings, Ajudua’s counsel, Mr. Allens Agbaka, said the defence had petitioned the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, to remove Oyewole from presiding over the trial.

    Agbaka also sought for an adjournment of the trial, pending the decision of Phillips to transfer the case to another judge.

    In the application– which was supported by a six-paragraph affidavit– Agbaka alleged that Oyewole had made a prejudicial remark while ruling on Ajudua’s bail application on June 25.

    The defence counsel said the judge’s claim that his client would tamper with the prosecution witnesses was prejudicial to the fair trial of the case.

    He said:”The learned presiding judge, in making those remarks, has given cause for reasonable apprehension that the first accused (Ajudua) has been found guilty, even before the conclusion of the trial.”

    The EFCC counsel, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), told the court that he needed time to respond to the application.

    NAN reports that the matter was adjourned till September 24 for further hearing.